Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology RSS FeedThis rss includes latest articles published in Jundishapur Journal of Microbiologyhttp://jjmicrobiol.comEnCopyright 2016, KowsarEpidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6993Background: Many studies have been done on the epidemiology of Hepatitis E on general population, but the data among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are few and give conflicting results.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and its relationship in ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD).,Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on ESRD patients treated with HD in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz city, Southwest of Iran. Blood sampling of patients was collected immediately before the dialysis session and the serum were evaluated for anti-HEV IgG titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 15 software was used for data analysis.,Results: Out of 47 ESRD patients, 27 were male (57.4%) and 20 were female (42.6%), with mean age of 55.27 ± 8.1 years. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibody was 10.6 % (five patients, four male and one female). TThu, 01 May 2014 00:00:00 +0430Isolation of Vibrio cholera El Tor Inaba From Eichhornia crassipens andLemna minor and Roots in Veracruz, Mexicohttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6855Materials and Methods: From 2004 to 2005, plants were collected from various ecological niches and the roots were used to isolate V. cholera. Standard bacteriological, biochemical and serological tests were used for its typification.,Results: In five out of the nine ecological niches explored, we collected either L. minor or E. crassipens, as these specimens cohabited only in two niches. V. cholera was isolated from both L. minor and E. crassipens roots. The isolated V. cholera showed the same biochemical characteristics as the pure V. cholera strain which was used as a control. The isolated V. cholera corresponded to V. cholera O1 El Tor Inaba, which is the same serotype related to the last outbreak in Mexico.,Conclusions: For first time V. cholera El Tor Inaba has been isolated several years after the last emergence of cholSat, 01 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0330Investigation of the Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Frequency of Mortality in Certain Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) From Yazd Province (Iran)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7472Results: Out of 253 cases confirmed for influenza A (H1N1), 9 women and 11men had died. Amongst these cases the minimum and maximum age was3.5 and90 years, respectively. Also, from the 20 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) that had died, 16 cases had at least one underlying disease.,Conclusions: There was no significant association between mortality of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) and sex, but the results demonstrated that mortality may be associated with age and underlying diseases.,Materials and Methods: We referred to a health center of the Yazd province to collect characteristics and information related to patients during years2008 – 2009. This study was descriptive and analytical. Out of 1442 patients suspected of influenza during the study period, 253 throat samples had positive with RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) results, which were confirmed for viruses. After obtaining the names and contact numbers of these patients, their information and data were recorded in Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Post-Vaccination Immunity Against Measles in Under Twenty-Five-Year-Old Population of Ahvaz, Southwest of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7707Conclusions: Results indicated that the present vaccination program is insufficient for immunity against measles in this area. The general population immunity was lower than the necessary level for the elimination of measles. Therefore, sero-epidemiological studies are necessary to organize national programs for control and elimination of measles.,Results: Overall, 821 (91.2%) of the studied population under 25 years, had immunity to measles. Among girls and boys, 92.2% and 89.8% were seropositive, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant between the two sexes (P = 0.133). Anti-measles antibody titer increased with the increase of age from ≤ 5 to 21 - 25 years (87.3% in ≤ 5-year-old group vs. 96.5 in 21 to 25-year-old group). These differences were statistically significant between the age groups (P = 0.021).,Patients and Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on 900 subjects (363 males and 537 females), referred to health care and medical center of Ahvaz during 2011. MSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Screening of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Men, Is It Necessary in Iran?http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7782: Results: In total, 8.5% of all subjects were positive (11% of symptomatic and 6% of asymptomatic men). Statistical analysis revealed an association between condom usage as a variable and infection in asymptomatic group (P ≤ 0.05).,: Conclusions: Findings of this study show that Chlamydial infection screening especially in males with urogenital symptoms is necessary (at least in Tehran) and we recommend more epidemiological studies in other cities of Iran.,: Materials and Methods: Two hundreds of men who attended in the Mehrad hospital in Tehran Iran were selected and classified into two groups (symptomatic and asymptomatic). 10 mL of first void urine from each person collected and tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid gene.,: Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent causative bacteria in sexually transmitted infections with adverse efSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Epidemiology of Sporadic Cases of Human Enterovirus 92 in Captivated Primates with Acute Diarrheahttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7812Results: Sequence analysis indicated that echovirus shared the highest nucleotide identity (85%) with the EV92 strain isolated from the rhesus macaques with gastroenteritis from a US primate center. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the EV92 isolated in this study had clustered together with other echoviruses isolated from the primates.,Conclusions: The results suggested that EV92 as a new echovirus may cause acute diarrhea in M. mulatta.,Background: Enteroviruses are among the most common viruses, which cause more than one billion infections worldwide. Enterovirus 92 (EV92) is a newly identified virus, about which few epidemiological data are available.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the echoviruses in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with acute diarrheal disease in the southwest of China.,Materials and Methods: Stool samples (2Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Children With Influenza A H1N1 in Khuzestan, Iran During July 2009–April 2010http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7873Conclusions: Clinical signs and symptoms presented by patients infected with the influenza A H1N1 virus were similar to those described for seasonal influenza, although with more gastrointestinal disorders. ,Results: Among the 232 enrolled cases, 126 patients (54.31%) were male and 106 patients (45.89%) were female. Real time Reverse RT-PCR test revealed that 18.1% of suspected children were positive for the influenza A H1N1 virus. The most frequent symptoms among the confirmed patients were cough (34, 81%), fever (30, 71%), and myalgia (24, 57%) and five cases (12%) reported diarrhea.,Patients and Methods: A total of 232 suspected children who fulfilled the case definition criteria were included in this study. Physicians obtained nasopharyngeal swab specimens, and human influenza A H1N1 was detected, using Real time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test according to the CDC protocol.,Objectives: In this report we summarized the results of surveillance activity in children aged 2-17 yeSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Facile and Rapid Detection of Vibrio cholerae by Multiplex PCR Based on ompU, ctxA, and toxR Geneshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7933Conclusions: Obtained data demonstrated that the designed assay is an accurate, easy, rapid, and cost-effective tool for detecting V. cholerae that can serve as an alternate to current bacteriological tests.,Background: Several epidemic and endemic cases have been reported involving Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) as a causative organism in serious diarrheal diseases with high mortality. Hence, quick identification of this microorganism is critical for health care communities.,Objectives: This investigation suggests an accurate, sensitive and rapid test to detect toxigenic and pathogenic species of V. cholerae simultaneously.,Materials and methods: The standard bacteriological tests were utilized to isolate V. cholerae from the clinical samples. A multiplex PCR assay was carried out with three separate primers designed for ctxA, toxR and ompU genes, which play basic roles in toxigenicity and pathogenicity. To investigate the spSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Zymogram Analysis of Alkaline Keratinase Produced by Nitrogen Fixing Bacillus pumilus ZED17 Exhibiting Multiprotease Enzyme Activitieshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7974Background: One group of significant enzymes produced by Bacillus genus are alkaline proteases with several important applications in the daily life as well as common industries such as food, detergents, leather, alcohol and beer production and medical and sanitary industries, beside wastewater treatment, , biotransformation, hydrolyzed proteins and oil manufacturing.,Objectives: In this paper, keratinase activity and zymogram analysis of Bacillus pumilus ZED17 using different conditions and substrates are reported.,Materials and Methods: The nitrogen fixing Bacillus, obtained from heated see water, was enriched on feather as the only sources of carbon, nitrogen and energy. It was also determined whether the isolated nitrogen fixing Bacillus exhibited extracellular proteolytic activity on feather, meat, gelatin and casein. Biochemical tests, carbohydrate fermentation patterns and 16srRNA detection were employed for identification of the isolaSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Antibiotic Resistance Pattern Among Gram Negative Mercury Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Contaminated Environmentshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8085Background: Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals. Even a small amount of it is toxic for all living organisms. Some of bacteria have developed special resistance mechanisms against mercury, in addition to resistant to different antibiotics. These bacteria usually acquire Hg and antibiotic resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer in their habitat.,Objectives: The aim of this study was isolation and identification of mercury resistant bacteria and evaluating the relation between increase of environmental levels of mercury and prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Gram negative Hg resistant bacteria.,Materials and Methods: The samples were collected from water and sediments of Kor River. We evaluated amounts of mercury in the water and sediment samples and counted the number of bacteria in both Hg containing and non-Hg containing media. Antibiotic resistance pattern was studied using disk diffusion method for Hg resistant and Hg sensitive bacteria.,Results: The frequencies of mercury resistant Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Cloning and Molecular Analysis of Extracellular Lipase Gene From Native and Mutant Yarrowia lipolytica Strainshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8131Conclusions: Results of this study could be used to find suitable targets for inverse metabolic engineering and site-directed mutagenesis to achieve stable and high-level extracellular lipase production in Y. lipolytica and other yeasts.,Results: Two nucleotide substitutions were found in the extracellular lipase LIP2 ORFs of Y. lipolytica U6 mutant strain compared to the wild-type strain. In this study, the LIP2 ORF region genetic changes were found in the industrial and high-level extracellular lipase producer Y. lipolytica mutant strain.,Materials and Methods: LIP2 gene of Y. lipolytica DSM3286 and its mutant Y. lipolytica U6 were isolated and cloned in E. coli using the appropriate vector. The native and mutant extracellular lipase ORFs were sequenced for further analyses and finding the differences in the nucleotide sequences.,Background: The lipase enzyme of the Yarrowia lipolytica yeasSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Detection of GES-2, a Class A β-Lactamase Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Teaching Hospital in Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8166Background: Guiana Extended-Spectrum (GES-2) as one of the Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is able to compromise the effectiveness of imipenem and tends to be geographically limited.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the spread of GES-2 β-lactamase gene among ESBL- producing P. aeruginosa isolates in a teaching hospital in Kashan, Iran.,Materials and Methods: Detection of β-lactamase gene blaGES-2 in eight ESBL producing isolates of P. aeruginosa collected from 100 clinical and environmental specimens was performed by PCR method. The susceptibility of the isolates to eight antibacterial agents was determined by disk diffusion method. ESBL production of the isolates was detected by double disk synergy test. DNA sequencing and aligning with the reference sequence were performed using BLAST and CLUSTAL W for selected PCR products of the blaGES-2 gene.,Results: A total of 100 environmental and clinical Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Sheep and Goat Milk in Northwest of Iran by PCR-RFLPhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8201Background: Toxoplasmosis is a widespread disease in humans and many other species of warm-blooded animals. Among livestock animals, sheep and goat are more widely infected by Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is a major cause of abortion, with significant economic losses for sheep and goat breeders.,Objectives: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was employed to detect of the T. gondii DNA in the milk of sheep and goats based on its B1 gene.,Materials and methods: A total of 625 milk samples were collected from 345 sheep and 280 goats from randomly selected flocks of North-West of Iran.,Results: Of 625 examined milk samples, 19 animals (3.04%) yielded a specific T. gondii B1 fragment (529 bp), of which T. gondii was detected in 16 (4.63%) sheep and 3 (1.07%) goat milk samples. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the PCR products of T. gondii with AluI restriction enzyme produced only one distincSun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0330Expression, Purification and Evaluation of Antigenicity of CagA Antigenic Fragment of Helicobacter pylorihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7367Conclusions: Results indicates that antigenic region of recombinant CagA protein were recognized as an antigen , so it might be a candidate for the development of H. pylori vaccine, ELISA kit designs and serological diagnosis of H. pylori infections.,Background: Helicobacter pylori is a human pathogen that causes chronic gastritis, which playsrole in gastric and duodenal ulcers, is also involved in gastric carcinogenesis and may be regarded as a possible important factor in at least a subset of patients with functional dyspepsia.,Objectives: This study was aimed to construct a recombinant protein containing H. pylori antigenic CagA region and determine its antigenicity as a vaccine candidate against H. pylori.,Materials and Methods: The antigenic region of CagA gene was detected by bioinformatics techniques. In this study, the H. pylori antigenic CagA region was amplified by PCR and sub-cloned to prokaryotic Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Mycoplasma pneumonia in Cerebrospinal Fluids of Febrile Children With Neurologic Manifestations: A Cross Sectional Study, Tehran, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7523Conclusions:: Even, very low amount of CSF-IgG with good specificity (90%); could differentiate cases and controls (P = 0.000). The CSF-IgG test (sensitivity 70%, NPV 28.8%) was weak for ruling out the M. pneumonia in cases. positive PCR was rare (2%) in CSF of cases and controls but is more reliable for diagnosing the recent M. pneumonia infection. We prefer to assay the CSF for both serology and PCR in highly suspicious cases. Anti-microbial or immune modulating therapies had possible benefits.,Results:: Positive PCR found in 1 case with Guillan Barre syndrome (1/53; 2%) and none of controls; IgG-CSF level (Cut off 0.0025) had significant difference between cases and controls (Kappa = 0.27, P Value = 0.000). The lowest and highest IgG level observed in aseptic meningitis, and convulsive cases respectively. 73% sensitivity; 90% specificity; 100% Variance (PPV); 28.8% Net Present Value (NPV) determined for IgG-CSF test.,Materials and Methods:: This cross sectional study was dFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae K1 and K2 Capsular Types by PCR and Quellung Testhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7585Background:: Klebseilla pneumoniae causes urinary tract infections, nosocomial pneumonia and intra-abdominal infections. Capsular antigens are considered to be the ultimate virulence determinants. Among 77 capsular serotypes of K. pneumoniae, serotypes K1 and K2 are the most virulent ones in humans.,Objectives:: We designed a PCR method for detection of capsular serotypes K1 and K2 of K. pneumoniae using genes cps cluster wzc and orf10 which are required for biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharides in K1 and K2 types, respectively.,Materials and Methods:: We collected 89 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates from the patients of Labafinejad Hospital located in Tehran. Clinical isolates were mostly chosen from urine. We used PCR technique to detect isolates possessing K1 and K2 capsular polysaccharides based on the wzc and orf10 genes which are required for biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharide in K1 and K2 types, respectively. The results of PCR Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Citric Acid Production From Sugarcane Bagasse through Solid State Fermentation Method Using Aspergillus niger Mold and Optimization of Citric Acid Production by Taguchi Methodhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7625Background: Citric acid is produced in insignificant quantities in Iran. Despite its great range of utilizations, and from another aspect, high level of production of sugarcane bagasse, the related problems arising from maintenance of this acid require thinking of a measure in the direction of its optimal usage and production.,Objectives: The objective of the present study is to obtain effectual variables in producing citric acid from sugarcane bagasse through Solid State Fermentation (SSF) method using Aspergillus niger mold and to optimize its mass production by employing Taguchi method.,Materials and Methods: The effective parameters such as spore inoculation level, methanol percentage, solvent type, spore age, humidity percentage, initial pH of substrate, fermentation period and temperature, initial sugar percentage, autoclaving duration, nitrogen source and etc. were studied for producing citric acid from sugarcane bagasse with respect to Tagouchi method.,Results: By considering the findFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Detection of Toxoplasmosis in Renal Transplant Recipients by ELISA and PCR Methods in Ahvaz, South-West of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7642Results: 34 (34%) of the renal transplant recipients and 26 (26%) of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. In addition 18 (18%) of the renal transplant recipients and 4 (4%) of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. For both values of the antibodies, differences were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.025 and P &lt; 0.001 respectively). The PCR results indicated the presence of T. gondii parasite in 2 blood samples of recipients, but not in those of the healthy control.,Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients and 100 healthy subjects participated in this study. The specific IgG and IgM antibodies of T. gondii were detected in the two groups by ELISA and the presence of T. gondii in the blood samples was evaluated by GRA6 PCR.,Background: Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. That is asymptomatic in the majority of patients, but itFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Baculoviral Co-Expression of HA, NA and M1 Proteins of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus in Insect Cellshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7665Conclusions:: The recombinant baculovirus constructed in this work has proper characteristics to produce H5N1 influenza virus-like particles in Sf9 cells.,Results:: Restriction map of pFastBacIHNM1 plasmid confirmed the fidelity of the clone. The PCR carried out on the recombinant bacmids as template indicated that a proper homologous recombination has occurred between pFastBacIHNM1 donor plasmid and the bacmid. Following the transfection of new recombinant bacmids to Sf9 cells, cytopathic effects were observed which indicating the successful packaging of recombinant baculovirus. Protein analysis of the infected Sf9 cells showed that all target proteins were efficiently expressed at the same time.,Background:: Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus is causing damages to the poultry industry and is responsible for loss of human lives. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent and control influenza infections. Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) by baculovirus expression vector system have been suFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Comparison of Hypervariable Region (HVR) of mecA Gene in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Nasal Carriers and Clinical Sampleshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7686Background:: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common major human pathogen that causes hospital-acquired infections. Characterization and typing of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome has led to a better understanding of MRSA infection cycle in hospital. The mecA-associated hypervariable region size classifies MRSA isolates that colonized in nasal carriers. ,Objectives:: The aim of this study was to compare the genetic background of hypervariable region (HVR) of mecA gene in S. aureus isolated from nasal carriers and clinical samples. ,Materials and Methods:: A cross sectional study was performed on 261 nasal swabs collected from healthy health care workers (HCW) and 109 clinical samples from Tehran university hospitals. All the S. aureus isolates were identified by biochemical tests (Coagulase, Catalase, Manitol fermentation, and DNase tests). S. aureus isolates were investigated forFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330The Anti-Bacterial Effect of Punica granatum Extracts Against Antibiotic Resistant Pasteurella haemolyticahttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7750Conclusions: Ethanol extracts of P. granatum (pericarp, leaves, flowers, seeds) have antibacterial effects against P. haemolytica which has shown resistance to all studied antibiotics.,Background: Continuous researches on drugs that solve the problem of growing number of resistant bacteria are important. ,Objectives: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of anti-bacterial properties shown by the extracts prepared from different parts of Punica granatum L. (punicaceae), grown in Syria, against Pasteurella haemolytica, which are resistant to all studied antibiotics. ,Materials and Methods: A total number of 504 samples of dead sheep lungs were investigated for detection of P. haemolytica, using blood agar, blue methylene, and biochemical tests (oxidase, catalase, indole, urease). Different parts of P. granatum (pericarp, leaves, flowers, seeds) were extracted by water, absolute alcohol, and ether Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Direct Serotyping of Enteroviruses in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children With Aseptic Meningitishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7852Background: Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the leptomeninges as a manifestation of central nervous system (CNS) infection. More than 85% of viral meningitis cases are caused by non-polio enteroviruses. This is the first study on the description of the enteroviruses and the related serotypes involved in viral meningitis in Iran.,Objectives: This project was conducted to improve our knowledge about the role of enteroviruses and their circulating serotypes in viral meningitis in Iran.,Patients and Methods: Cerebrospinal fluids from 118 children under 13 years old with primary clinical diagnosis of aseptic meningitis were collected in Children Medical Center in Tehran and sent to Department of Virology of Pasteur Institute of Iran. To investigate the enteroviruses, 5`-noncoding regions were amplified by Real-Time PCR method using Pan-EV primers and a specific probe. Serotype identification in enterovirus positive samples was conducted by RT-PCR.,Results: Enterovirus detecFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330The Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) Essential Oil and Its Chemical Compositionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7877Background: Food born pathogenic bacteria are the most important agents of infections in humans, and food spoilage also results in economic losses in food industry.,Objectives: The aim of this study was the evaluation of chemical components, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Artemisia dracunculus essential oil.,Materials and Methods: The essential oil of Tarragon was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were evaluated by bleaching of β-carotene and folin ciocalteu methods, respectively. The antibacterial effect of the essential oil was inspected on seven Gram- positive and negative bacteria using the microdilution method.,Results: A total of 19 compounds were identified by GC-FID and GC-MS. The main compounds were methyl chavicol (84.83%), trans-ocimene (3.86%), z-β-ocimene (3.42%), limonene (1.79%) and α-pinene (0.57%). Total Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Determination of Antibiotic Sensitivity of Bacteroid fragilis Isolated from Patients and Healthy Individuals in Imam Reza Center of Medical Teaching and Treatment-Tabrizhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7880Conclusions:: In the present study, we have figured out that a number of the important anaerobic infections treatment antibiotics have lost partly or totally their effectiveness on B. fragilis.,Background:: Bacteroides fragilis are among the most important anaerobic bacteria behind most of the anaerobic infections. They have acquired resistance to essential treatment antibiotics of anaerobic infections, more than other anaerobic bacteria. ,Objectives: The goal of this study is to determine the resistance of isolated B. fragilis against common anaerobic infections treatment antibiotics. ,Patients and Methods:: A total of 188 fecal samples including 59 samples from hospitalized patients, 84 samples from outpatients, and 45 samples from healthy individuals were collected. The samples were cultured in Bacteroides- Bile- Esculine agar and Kanamycin-Vancomycin-Laked Blood media and were incubated in anaerobic atmosphere at 37°C for at least 48 hours. Suspected oneFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Investigation of Mannose–Binding Lectin Level and Deficiency in Patients With Dermatophytosishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8255Background: Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous fungal infection with a worldwide occurrence. In dermatophyte infections, the release of keratinocyte cytokines, in the presence of dermatophyte antigens, causes an acute phase response; subsequently, the acute-phase proteins are produced by hepatocytes. Mannose–binding lectin (MBL), an acute-phase protein, also acts as a kind of pattern recognition receptor. MBL deficiency plays a role in susceptible viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections.,Objectives: Some research has been conducted on the role of acute-phase proteins in dermatophyte infections. This study has been designed to determine the serum MBL levels in patients with dermatophytosis. ,Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, included 96 healthy individuals and 105 patients with dermatophytosis, in access sampling procedure. Microscopic examinations were conducted and cultivated to detect dermatophytes, and in the cases that the identification of different dermatophyte species was necesFri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0330Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and its Subgroups Among the Hospitalized Young Children With Acute Respiratory Infectionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6452Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause acute respiratory infection (ARI) in infants and young children.,Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of RSV infection and its subgroups among children with ARI.,Materials and Methods: A total of 100 throat samples were collected from hospitalized children with ARI in different hospitals across the Khuzestan province from June 2009 to April 2010. The samples were tested for RSV by the nested PCR. The product of positive RSV was sequenced to determine the RSV subgroup, followed by phylogenic tree.,Conclusions: This study revealed that RSV subgroup A is dominant among the young children especially in children less than one year of age.,Results: Of total 100 patients, 29 (29%) including 16 (16%) male and 13 (13%) female were found positive for RSV infection. All the RSV positive patients were subgroup A dominant. High prevalence of RSV (8%) was found among the children under one year in contrast to 2% RSV incidencTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Development and Comparison of Conventional PCR and SYBR Green Real Time PCR for Detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythensishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6757Background: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythensis are two major pathogens in destructive periodontal disease in humans. The detection of these bacteria is needed for diagnosis and management of the mentioned diseases.,Objectives: We aimed to develop and compare improved multiplex conventional and SYBR green real time PCR assays for a specific diagnosis of the organisms based on specific marker genes.,Materials and Methods: Both PCR approaches were performed with primers targeting diagnostic genes of the organisms, hbpA gene of A. actinomycetemcomitans and 16S rRNA gene of T. forsythensis. For preparation of a stable positive control, the PCR products were cloned into pTZ57R/T plasmid. The test specificity was evaluated using the same PCR reactions but in the presence of genomes of various negative control bacteria.,Results: As expected, agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR products of the hbpA and 16Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Antibiotic Resistance of Isolated Gram Negative Bacteria From Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Isfahanhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6883Conclusions: With regards to the continuous changing in causative microorganisms isolated from patients with UTI and antibiotic sensitivity patterns, it is recommended that bacterial sensitivity patterns in populations are determined in any region annually. .,Objectives: This study aimed to detect and also compare the frequency and drug resistance pattern of Gram negative bacteria isolated from patients with community-acquired UTIs in Isfahan.,Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 702 samples from 476 females and 226 males referred to medical centers in Isfahan city from June to September 2011 were collected, we investigated the urine cultures and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms were measured.,Results: Urinary infectious was detected in 203 persons. The most prevalence isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli 138 (68%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (13%). Antibiotic resistance pattern of Gram negative bacteria isolateTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330HIV/AIDS Among Injecting Drug Users: A review on Epidemiology and Management of Occupational Exposure in Iranian Health Network Settinghttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6964Conclusions: Based on existing data, HIV infection surveillance, performance of standard precaution, and post exposure prophylaxis with anti-retroviral drugs outlined in this review article represent reasonable interim approaches to this complex problem.,Context: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) concentrated in injecting drug users (IDUs) is a major public health in Iran as well as throughout the world. Health care workers (HCW) are occupationally at the risk of HIV infection. The aim of this article is to review the information about the IDUs, epidemiology, diagnosis, natural course of infection, immunopathogenesis, and occupational risks associated with managing HIV in the health care workplace.,Evidence Acquisition: Information obtained from previous investigation on HIV infection has yielded a better knowledge about HIV.,Results: Because HCWs are at the risk of HIV infection from IDUs attending the health care units, knowledge about preventive straTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Optimization of Keratinase Production for Feather Degradation by Bacillus subtilishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7160Results: The PCR approved the Bacillus genus of the isolates. The strain of Bacillus subtilis was identified using biochemical tests. 40 ºC and pH 11 are the optimum condition for maximum keratinase enzyme activity.,Objectives: The aim of this study was the isolation of feather degrading Bacillus spp.from a poultry waste and the optimization of conditions for the highest enzyme activity and feather degradation.,Materials and Methods: The microorganisms were isolated from the waste of a poultry in Miyaneh, Iran, and the Bacillus spp. were identified using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The Bacillus spp. cultured in a medium consisted of feather at pH 7.4 and 27 ºC for seven days to identify the feather-degrading Bacillus spp. The biochemical tests were performed to determine the strain of the bacterium. The study was repeated under different pH and temperatures to find the optimum conditTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Coexistence of AmpC and Extended-Spectrum β-lactamases in Metallo-β-Lactamase Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Burn Isolates in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7178Conclusions: This study showed that multiple β-lactamases can be produced in burn isolates. This suggests that use of Cephalosporins and Carbapenems should be restricted in burn isolates to minimize the development and spread of these multidrug resistant pathogens.,Results: There was 99% resistance to Carbenicillin, and Ticarcillin, 98% to Cotrimoxazole, 96% to Ciprofloxacin, and Aztreonam, 95% to Imipenem, and Meropenem, 94% to Pperacillin, 93% to Tobramycin, 92% to Cefepime, 90% to Amikacin, 89% to Ceftazidime, and 87% to Piperacillin-tazobactam. Among the 128 Imipenem resistant isolates, 32 (25%) were capable of producing metallo β-lactamases of which, 4 (12.5%) produced extended spectrum and 26 (81%) produced AmpC β-lactamases. Four isolates (12.5%) produced all 3 types.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic susceptibility, production of extended spectrum and AmpC β-lactamases in metallo β-lactamase producing P. aeruginosa burn isolates.,Materials and Methods:Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Dissemination of CTX-M-Type Beta-lactamase Among Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in Markazi Province, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7182Conclusions: The levels of resistance to Ceftazidime were remarkably variable among CTX-Mproducers. This study provides further evidences of the global dissemination of CTX-M type ESBLs and emphasized on the need for their epidemiological monitoring. ,Results: In phenotypic confirmatory test, 154 (44%) out of 350 clinical isolates were ESBL positive. Using molecular assay, 154 strains potentially producing extended-spectrum-beta -lactamases were examined for the presence of CTX-M enzymes. 92.2% isolates CTX-M - 1, 28.5% isolates CTX-M-2, 17.5% isolates CTX-M-8, and 38.3% isolates CTX-M-9 genes detected by PCR.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of known CTX-M-beta- beta-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from Arak educational hospitals, Iran.,Materials and Methods: During a 10-month period (May to February 2010), 350 randomly Enterobacteriaceae isolates were obtained from the clinical laboratories of differenTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Toxoplasma gondii and Male Reproduction Impairment: A new Aspect of Toxoplasmosis Researchhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7184Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important pathogen that has adverse effect on reproductive function.,Evidence Acquisition: Recent studies revealed that infection with T. gondii not only affect female reproduction, also cause male reproductive impairment. In clinical studies, high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sterile men has been reported. In animal models, toxoplasmosis is associated with male reproductive impairment. Moreover, there are some evidences about venereal transmission of T. gondii. Drugs used for treatment of toxoplasmosis may cause adverse effects on male reproductive function. ,Results: In present article, effect of Toxoplasma infection on male reproductive system of human and animal was reviewed.rnThere are several reports expressing association between Toxoplasmosis and male genital tract impairment in both human and animals.,Conclusions: These findings suggest that T. gondii infection caTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Bacteriology in Patients With Chronic rhinosinusitis in North of Iran (Sari)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7193Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory-infectious disease involved paranasal sinuses as a common site of microbial pathogens and infections in patients suffering from the disease. The disease is labeled chronic when it lasts for more than 12 weeks.,Objectives: As these infections constitute an important cause of morbidity it can be a strong life-threatening factor, in this investigation we examine the bacterial strains involved in development of chronic rhinosinusitis. ,Materials and Methods: This research was a prospective study of the bacterial strains involved in development of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients referred to Bou-Ali Sina Hospital in Sari, Iran. The study population included 253 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Samples were collected from all patients’ nasal discharge, which were cultured to investigate the type of microbial infection. The staining methods were Gram staining, Chinese ink staining, acid-fast staining and Papanicolaou staining. Finally, specific tests forTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Production of Avermectin B1b From Streptomyces avermitilis 41445 by Batch Submerged Fermentationhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7198Results: However the maximum production of avermectin B1b (17 mg/L) was obtained by using SM2 growth medium containing soluble corn starch, yeast extract, KCl, CaCO3 and MgSO4 which was detected qualitatively by using TLC and quantitatively by HPLC.,Conclusions: Maximum production was observed with initial medium pH of 7, 10% inoculum size with incubation temperature of 31°C for 10 days of fermentation period.,Materials and Methods: Eight different growth media were used for the production of avermectin B1b.,Objectives: The main objective of this study was the selection and optimization of medium for maximum production of avermectin B1b from S. avermitilis 41445.,Background: Avermectin B1b, a component of commercially available abamectin is obtained as fermentation product of S. avermitilis and has frequently been used as anthelmintic and insecticidal agent. Secondary metabolite production, avermectin B1b in present study, is dependent on medium composition therefore a propeTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Study on Pityriasis versicolor in Patients Referred to Clinics in Tabrizhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7211Conclusions: Patients who regularly use the local saunas had poor personal hygiene and greasy skin, and were more suspected to tinea versicolor infection.,Results: The disease was more prevalent in 21-40 years old age group in both genders. The most infected anatomical regions were posterior surface, the body trunk (shoulder, supra scapula and lumbar region), anterior thorax and abdomen, respectively. The number of female cases was significantly more than males; this probably reflects the concern of females about their skin health.,Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological features of tinea versicolor, including its incidence among different age groups, genders and other personal status.,Materials and methods: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2011 on 1023 patients who presented skin disease suspected to tinea versicolor. Of all patients; 671 females (66%) and 352 males (34%) were studied for this mycosis and the fungal distribution from the view point of age and anatomical region of mycosis were Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in Beef, Buffalo and Lamb Using Multiplex PCRhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7244Conclusions: Due to the presence and potential hazard of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. in meat samples, the detection of these pathogens in different kinds of meat is crucial to safeguard public health.,Results: L. monocytogenes was detected in 2.8% of beef and buffalo samples and 4.3% of lamb samples. E. coli O157:H7 was detected in 2.8% of beef and 1.4% of buffalo samples. However, no contamination with this pathogen was found in lamb samples. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in beef, buffalo and lamb samples was 4.3, 2.8 and 7.1%, respectively.,Materials and Methods: A total of 210 samples of beef, buffalo and lamb meats were collected from retail outlets and popular supermarkets. After each single pathogen and DNA extraction, multiplex PCR as a rapid and cost-effective method was carried out to determine the prevalence of the pathogens in the samples.,Objectives: The aim of theTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Pregnant Women in Zanjan, Northwest of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7258Background: In the last two decades the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are dramatically increased and remain a major public health problem in developing countries. Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis which is a flagellated protozoon associated with vaginitis, cervicitis and urethritis. Researchers believed that pregnancy is one of the influencing factors of the genital trichomoniasis in women.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis in pregnant women in Zanjan, Iran.,Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1000 pregnant women were examined for diagnosis of trichomoniasis based on direct microscopic examination and culture method. They referred to the treatment and health centers of Zanjan, Northwest Iran, Demographic and personal information of the subjects were collected and evaluated with questionnaires.,Results: Thirty-three out of one thousaTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Glycyrrhiza glabra Against Oral Pathogenshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7262Objectives: In the present study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of Capsella bursa-pastoris alone and also combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra against Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, Enterococcus faecalis as oral pathogens.,Conclusions: C. bursa-pastoris and its mixture with G. glabra are suggested as appropriate candidates to control dental caries and endodontic infections.,Results: In this study, C. bursa-pastoris extract showed good antibacterial activity against six bacteria in using in of the mentioned methods. No strain in this study showed resistance against this extract. Antibacterial activity of mixed extract including C .bursa-pastoris and G. glabra was evaluated and showed that mixed extract was more effective against all bacteria than any of the cases alone that indicate the synergistic effect between these two extracts.,Materials andTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Hepatitis C Virus Load in Seropositive Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Before and After Transplantationhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7365Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one the major health concern among the infected transplant patients. Considering several complications of the disease in them, pre and post-transplantation studies should be performed for monitoring of the infection, as well as, developing new treatment protocols.,Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the Hepatitis C Virus RNA level among seropositive liver and kidney transplant recipients in Namazi Hospital; the main transplantation center in southern Iran.,Materials and Methods: RNAs were extracted from 105 serum samples of seropositive liver and kidney transplant recipients and analyzed by Real-time PCR assay using a set of primers.,Results: HCV RNA was detected in a total of 46/105 (43.8%) recipients’ serum samples [39/46 (84.8%) males and 7/46 (15.2%) females]. Moreover, 8/46 (17.4%) and 38/46 (82.6%) were kidney and liver recipients, respectively. The copy number of HCV RNA, measured by the Real-time PCR assay, ranged from 5 × 102 toTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330The incidence of Drug- Resistant Mutants in Patients With Chronic HBV Infection After Lamivudine Treatmenthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7366Conclusions: This study showed that the presence of mutation at codons rtL80V, rtL180M and rtM204V in A, B and C domains is associated with higher viral load and resistance to Lamivudine (3TC) respectively.,Results: About 6% (3 of 50) of samples were HBeAg positive and 94% (47 of 50) of patients were HBeAg negative by ELISA method. The patients&#039; ALT level was between 16 and 95 IU/L with the mean of 37.58 IU/L. Also, 48% (24 of 50) of samples had &lt; 104 IU/mL viral load, 52% (26 of 50) of them had &gt; 104 IU/mL viral load. About 10% (5 of 50) of samples was treated with Lamivudine with specific substitution of amino acid located at codons 80, 180 and 204. In addition, phylogenetic tree showed that genotype D of HBV was dominant among Iranian HBV infected patients,Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate rtL180M and rtM204V mutations in polymerase gene of HBV in infected patients after Lamivudine therapy.,Patients and Methods: Fifty sera samples collected from patients who referred to Blood Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Amplification, Sequencing and Cloning of Iranian Native Bacillus subtilis Alpha-amylase Gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiaehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7371Conclusions: Based on this similarity and our bioinformatics evaluations, this mentioned alpha-amylase gene can be expressed in S. cerevisiae as extracellular enzyme.,Results: The presence of alpha-amylase gene in recombinant bacteria was certificated by colony-PCR method. After extraction of recombinant vector from E. coli, the competent S. cerevisiae cells were transformed using polyethylene glycol and carrier sperm DNA. The recombinant yeast strains were screened by URA3 auxotrophic marker and analyzed for alpha-amylase gene existence. In the other hand, the amylase gene length of native B. subtilis was1887base pairs (bp) with an approximately93.65% similarity with standard bacterial strain.,Materials and Methods: The haploid auxotroph (ura3-) strain of S. cerevisiae and p316TDH3 were used as the host and vector for cloning and expression of the alpha amylase gene, respectively. In native BacillusTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Investigating the Resistance of Escherichia coli Against Some Selected Antimicrobials in Bamhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7407Results: In this study, high resistances were found to nalidixic acid (59.7%) and gentamicin (52.3%) but high susceptibilities were found to ciprofloxacin (59.3%) and ceftriaxone (36.3%).,Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study ciprofloxacin is an effective antibiotic in E. coli infections.,Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the resistance of Escherichia coli against six antibiotics, in Bam.,Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 300 samples with positive cultures of E. coli in 2006-2007 at the Central Laboratory and the Pasteur hospital in Bam city. Information related to this study was first collected by visiting the above laboratories and completing questionnaires and then recorded in the Excel program and analyzed using the SPSS software and chi-square statistical method.,Background: Antibiotics and corresponding resistance genes and resistant bacteria have been considered as emTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330The Frequency Distribution of Cases Affected by Influenza A (H1N1) Based on Demographic Characteristics During 2008 – 2009 in Yazd Province (Iran)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7471Results: 111 female and 142 male were available from a total of 253 confirmed H1N1 cases. The minimum and maximum ages were 1.5 and 90 years, respectively. The most common symptoms were fever and cough. 144 cases had record of hospitalization, 100 cases were undergone outpatient treatment and nine cases have not recorded the treatment status. The most frequent underlying manifestation was hypertension.,Conclusions: According to this study, due to higher hypertension frequency in patients, hypertension should be considered in other diseases in Iran for preventing influenza.,Background: Human influenza is an acute and self-limited disease that is caused by viruses including types A, B, C. These viruses are related to RNA viruses and belonging to the family of Orthomyxoviridae. They are divided into other sub-species based on surface antigens, including hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The new virus of the group that was isolated from swine was called as influenza A (H1N1) virus.,PatienTue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0330Pseudomonas aeruginosa Recombinant Flagellin Induced Poly-Isotypic Humoral Immune Responses in the Balb/C Micehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6760Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that r-fla-A could induce cellular and humoral immune response as proper stimulant of poly-isotypic humoral responses.,Results: Immunized mice with adjuvanted flagellin showed a considerably increased lymphocyte proliferation compared with the control group (P = 0.004). High level of IL-4 and IFN-γ secretion was observed in immunized mice compared with the control group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.006, respectively) with Th1 profile. In addition to the strong antibody-mediated immune response, we found that immunization of mice with r-fla-A induces specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3 and IgM antibodies that indicates a statistically significant difference with the control group (P = 0.003, P = 0.004, P = 0.004, P = 0.006 and P = 0.004 respectively).,Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects people with immunocompromised defenses like neutropenic, burned, hospitalized, and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.,Objectives: The main aim oTue, 10 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430In vitro Evaluation of Proton Motive Force-Dependent Efflux Pumps Among Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated From Patients at Tehran Hospitalshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6792Conclusions: PMF-dependent efflux mechanism appears to play an important role in the MDR phenotype of A. baumannii clinical strains.,Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have been increasingly reported as a major cause of nosocomial infections, and have created major therapeutic problems worldwide.,Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of proton motive force (PMF)-dependent efflux mechanism in the multiple resistance phenotype of A. baumannii clinical strains.,Materials and Methods: A total of 65 A. baumannii clinical strains were collected from hospitals in Tehran. These were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using disc agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Active efflux was assessed by ethidium bromide accumulation assays. Further evaluations were performed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations and the accumulation of ciprofloxacin againsTue, 10 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430High Prevalence of blaCTX-M-1 Group Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates From Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6863Conclusions: The rapid dissemination of non clonal multi-resistant CTX-M-1 producing E. coli isolates approved the need for further studies in our medical centers.,Results: A total of 140(70%) non-duplicate ESBL positive E. coli were determined. Imipenem and Amikacin were effective against 100% and 85% of all tested isolates respectively. Co-resistance of ESBL positive isolates to Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Co-trimoxazole and Ciprofloxacin were found in 93%, 75%, 63% and 43% of the strains, respectively. The rate of cefotaxime and ceftazidime resistant isolates dramatically decreased from 72% to 8.5% and 39% to 4.5% respectively, in the presence of clavulanic acid. Eighty nine (44.5%) E. coli isolates carried the blaCTX-M-1 group alleles. The levels of similarity of the rep-PCR fingerprints of blaCTX-M-1 isolates ranged from 40 to 90%.,Objectives: To assess the frequency and genetic diversity of extended-spectrum CTX-M β -lactamases in E.coliTue, 10 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Distribution of Malassezia Species in Patients with Pityriasis versicolor Compared with Healthy Individuals in Yazd, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6873Background: Malassezia species as skin microflora of humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates are the lipophilic yeasts associated with various human diseases, especially pityriasis versicolor (PV).,Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the Malassezia species of scraped skin of PV patients in Yazd, Iran, using morphological, biochemical and physiological methods. We also compared the obtained results of PV patients with normal healthy volunteers.,Materials and Methods: A total of 200 persons, including 100 patients (with skin lesion) referred to Yazd Central Laboratory and 100 healthy volunteers as controls, were evaluated for Malassezia infection by morphological and biochemical methods.,Results: The most commonly isolated species from PV lesions, were M. globosa (38.3%), M. furfur (29.4%), M. sympodialis (14.9%), M. pachydermatis (9.6%) and M. slooffiae (Tue, 10 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Study the Anti-Toxoplasma Antibodies (IgG and IgM) in Hemodialysis Patients of Abadan and Khoramshahr Cities Southwest Iran in 2011 using ELISAhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7113Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients are high risk group for toxoplasmosis and should be tested periodically to prevent the dissemination of toxoplasmosis during dialysis.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determinate the anti- Toxoplasma antibodies in hemodialysis patients of Abadan and Khoramshahr, Southwest of Iran.,Materials and Methods: Sera of 150 patients (test group) aged 21 to 87 years referred regularly to hemodialysis departments in Abadan and Khoramshahr cities, and 150 healthy individuals (control group) were examined for anti- Toxoplasma (IgG and IgM) antibodies using ELISA kits and the results were analyzed using Chi-square and fisher exact test.,Results: 61 (40.67%) out of 150 sera of patients were positive, 6 (4%) were borderline and 83 (55.33%) were negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. For anti- Toxoplasma IgM, 13 (8.67%) of 150 were positive, 21 (14%) were borderline and 116 (77.33%) were negative. In control group 39 (26%) of 150 individuals were positive, 14 (9.33%) were borderline and Tue, 10 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Detection and Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Tissue Samples in Ahvaz, Southwest Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4569Conclusions: Our study shows that prevalence of HPV infection in cervical biopsy samples collected from suspected patients in Khouzestan province is slightly higher than other provinces of Iran. Since HPV cervical infection, is an indicator for the host cervical cancer progression, parallel with Pap smear test, PCR detection of HPV DNA in biopsy of suspected cases is recommended.,Results: Out of 60 cervical biopsy samples, 8 (%13.3) cases were HPV DNA positive. Four (%50) were genotype 16 positive, 2 (%25) were genotype 6 positive, 1(%12.5) sample was detected as the genotype 18 and 1 of the positive cases was genotype 11 of HPV.,Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 samples of paraffin-embedded biopsy samples archived in the library of pathology laboratory of Ahvaz Imam Khomeini hospital were selected for further experiments. After DNA extraction of each specimen, the infection of the tissue with HPV was confirmed by PCR. PCR products were sequenced to detect HPV genotypes.,Objectives: Due to the absence Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Evaluation of Spirulina platensis Resistance to Different Antibiotics to Find a Selectable Marker for Genetic Transformationhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5456Background: Spirulina is one of the most profitable known microalgae in the world, which is used as food and superfood. In the other hand, Spirulina is a useful source of healthy components. It seems that the Spirulina is transformable so that the introduction of a selectable marker is needed.,Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine a suitable selection marker for Spirulina platensis. Thus, this experiment was designed to survey the response of Spirulina to different concentrations of candidate antibiotics including kanamycin, hygromycin, phosphinothricin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin in standard Zarrouk medium. ,Materials and Methods: S. platensis culture matched to 1 McFarland standard and its resistance to different antibiotics was studied by serial dilution of kanamycin, hygromycin, phosphinothricin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin. Biomass was detected after 7days using spectrophotomeSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Effect of Leptin on Neutrophils Phagocytosis and Lymphocytes Apoptosis Challenge by Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia colihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6389Conclusions: The Leptin can also be used for the treatment of severe and intractable L. monocytogenes and E. coli infection.,Results: Our data demonstrates that leptin is able to induce CD11b expression on neutrophils but this induction is significantly less than L. monocytogenes. Indeed, cells treated with leptin had lower amounts of apoptosis compared with untreated cells. The highest amount of apoptosis was seen in cells treated with L. monocytogenes vs. E. coli. Leptin can be used as a potent agent for induction of effective bacterial phagocytosis and lymphocytic apoptosis in cases with sever immune-deficiency.,Background: Leptin is a cytokine/hormone produced mainly by the adipocytes which regulates the body weight. The normal level of Leptin is required for optimal immune system function, and high leptin levels are shown to affect the Th1-Th2 balance. Leptin is able to stimulate monocytes, dendritic cells and NeutrophilSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) and non-ESBL Producing Enteric Gram-Negative Bacteria and Activity of Nitrofurantoin in the era of ESBLhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6699Conclusion: Although all ESBL producer Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and colistin, non-ESBL isolates showed resistant pattern. Interestingly, notable percent of mentioned resistant isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin.,Background: Resistance in enteric Gram-negative bacteria is of a great concern and concise local data are lacking.,Objectives: To determine prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and non-ESBL producing enteric Gram-negative bacteria.,Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study in Tehran, patients’ samples have been obtained and were inoculated on blood and MacConkey agar plates at microbiology laboratory hospital, and a total of 292 Gram-negative species were isolated at Microbiology Laboratory from patients’ specimens. Susceptibility pattern was determined by disk diffusion method based on Kirby-Bauer method on Mueller-Hinton agar plate. SPSS 16 software (descriptive analysis, Chi-sSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Pseudomonas aeruginosa Recombinant Flagellin Induced Poly-Isotypic Humoral Immune Responses in the Balb/C Micehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6760Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that r-fla-A could induce cellular and humoral immune response as proper stimulant of poly-isotypic humoral responses.,Results: Immunized mice with adjuvanted flagellin showed a considerably increased lymphocyte proliferation compared with the control group (P = 0.004). High level of IL-4 and IFN-γ secretion was observed in immunized mice compared with the control group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.006, respectively) with Th1 profile. In addition to the strong antibody-mediated immune response, we found that immunization of mice with r-fla-A induces specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3 and IgM antibodies that indicates a statistically significant difference with the control group (P = 0.003, P = 0.004, P = 0.004, P = 0.006 and P = 0.004 respectively).,Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects people with immunocompromised defenses like neutropenic, burned, hospitalized, and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.,Objectives: The main aim oSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430In vitro Evaluation of Proton Motive Force-Dependent Efflux Pumps Among Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated From Patients at Tehran Hospitalshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6792Conclusions: PMF-dependent efflux mechanism appears to play an important role in the MDR phenotype of A. baumannii clinical strains.,Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have been increasingly reported as a major cause of nosocomial infections, and have created major therapeutic problems worldwide.,Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of proton motive force (PMF)-dependent efflux mechanism in the multiple resistance phenotype of A. baumannii clinical strains.,Materials and Methods: A total of 65 A. baumannii clinical strains were collected from hospitals in Tehran. These were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using disc agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Active efflux was assessed by ethidium bromide accumulation assays. Further evaluations were performed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations and the accumulation of ciprofloxacin againsSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430High Prevalence of blaCTX-M-1 Group Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates From Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6863Conclusions: The rapid dissemination of non clonal multi-resistant CTX-M-1 producing E. coli isolates approved the need for further studies in our medical centers.,Results: A total of 140(70%) non-duplicate ESBL positive E. coli were determined. Imipenem and Amikacin were effective against 100% and 85% of all tested isolates respectively. Co-resistance of ESBL positive isolates to Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Co-trimoxazole and Ciprofloxacin were found in 93%, 75%, 63% and 43% of the strains, respectively. The rate of cefotaxime and ceftazidime resistant isolates dramatically decreased from 72% to 8.5% and 39% to 4.5% respectively, in the presence of clavulanic acid. Eighty nine (44.5%) E. coli isolates carried the blaCTX-M-1 group alleles. The levels of similarity of the rep-PCR fingerprints of blaCTX-M-1 isolates ranged from 40 to 90%.,Objectives: To assess the frequency and genetic diversity of extended-spectrum CTX-M β -lactamases in E.coliSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Distribution of Malassezia Species in Patients with Pityriasis versicolor Compared with Healthy Individuals in Yazd, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6873Background: Malassezia species as skin microflora of humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates are the lipophilic yeasts associated with various human diseases, especially pityriasis versicolor (PV).,Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the Malassezia species of scraped skin of PV patients in Yazd, Iran, using morphological, biochemical and physiological methods. We also compared the obtained results of PV patients with normal healthy volunteers.,Materials and Methods: A total of 200 persons, including 100 patients (with skin lesion) referred to Yazd Central Laboratory and 100 healthy volunteers as controls, were evaluated for Malassezia infection by morphological and biochemical methods.,Results: The most commonly isolated species from PV lesions, were M. globosa (38.3%), M. furfur (29.4%), M. sympodialis (14.9%), M. pachydermatis (9.6%) and M. slooffiae (Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Optimization and Efficient Purification in Production of Brucella melitensis Recombinant HSP and TF Proteins With Low Endotoxin Contentshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6875Background: The development of an effective subunit vaccine against brucellosis is a research area of intense. But optimization of recombinant proteins production in Escherichia coli and content of endotoxins associated with final recombinant proteins are very important.,Objectives: In the present study, expression and purification of Brucella melitensis rHSP and rTF were optimized to reduce endotoxin contaminants.,Materials and Methods: pDEST-tf and pDEST-hsp were transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3), and then B. melitensis recombinant HSPA and TF proteins were overexpressed. Purification of these proteins was optimized to remove most of endotoxin contaminants from the end product using 0.1% Triton X-114 in washing buffers.,Results: An endotoxin reduction of less than 0.05 EUmg/1 was achieved with protein recovery close to an 80% yield.,Conclusions: As this new protocol requires only one step to simultaneouslSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Dissemination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Producing blaIMP1, blaVIM2, blaSIM1, blaSPM1 in Shiraz, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6920Conclusions: Beside our study, the detection of MBL genes were reported in a few studies conducted in Iran. The spread of detected MBLs producing P. aeruginosa were unprecedented in the region due to the lack of independent related researches or the novel incidence of these genes. This detection must be noted by associated clinical and health care services.,Results: From 240 P. aeruginosa isolates, 82 (34.16%) isolates were imipenem-resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥4 µg/mL). Among these imipenem-resistant isolates, 19 (23.3%) MBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates were screened using DDST. A specific PCR test confirmed the presence of 18 (21.95%) P. aeruginosa producing blaIMP1 and blaVIM2.,Objectives: In this study, based on the standard phenotypic and genotypic methods, we examined the MBLs possible production of a P. aeruginosa isolate. The main objective was exploring the disseminaSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Molecular Cloning and Expression of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Nonstructural Protein 3 in Escherichia colihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7044Background: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is an economically important disease of cattle with a worldwide distribution. Diagnosis of BVD relies on laboratory-based detections of its viral causing agent or virus specific antibodies. The most common laboratory method used for this purpose is the ELISA. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) is one of the most highly conserved immunogenic proteins of BVDV, thus, it is a proper candidate antigen to detect antibodies against the virus in the sera from infected animals.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize a plasmid construct for high-level expression of NS3 with more solubility in Escherichia coli.,Materials and Methods: A segment of BVDV genome encoding the NS3 protein was amplified using RT-PCR and cloned into pMAL-c2X expression vector, under the control of the lac promoter. After sequencing of the amplified gene, the recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli strain BL21 and analyzed bySun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Study the Anti-Toxoplasma Antibodies (IgG and IgM) in Hemodialysis Patients of Abadan and Khoramshahr Cities Southwest Iran in 2011 using ELISAhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7113Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients are high risk group for toxoplasmosis and should be tested periodically to prevent the dissemination of toxoplasmosis during dialysis.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determinate the anti- Toxoplasma antibodies in hemodialysis patients of Abadan and Khoramshahr, Southwest of Iran.,Materials and Methods: Sera of 150 patients (test group) aged 21 to 87 years referred regularly to hemodialysis departments in Abadan and Khoramshahr cities, and 150 healthy individuals (control group) were examined for anti- Toxoplasma (IgG and IgM) antibodies using ELISA kits and the results were analyzed using Chi-square and fisher exact test.,Results: 61 (40.67%) out of 150 sera of patients were positive, 6 (4%) were borderline and 83 (55.33%) were negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. For anti- Toxoplasma IgM, 13 (8.67%) of 150 were positive, 21 (14%) were borderline and 116 (77.33%) were negative. In control group 39 (26%) of 150 individuals were positive, 14 (9.33%) were borderline and Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Stimulato-Inhibitory Response to Cumin Oil in Aflatoxin B1 Production of Aspergillus Specieshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7210Conclusions: Antimicrobial and antitoxigenic properties of natural products need a firmly established criterion before they could be offered to application.,Results: A significant reduction in Aflatoxin production was noted which was not due to the inhibitory effect but because of antifungal property of the oil. Interestingly, the oil promoted toxin production for the reasons yet to be investigated. The extent of aflatoxin production was dependent on the concentration of essential oil used. All toxin-producing fungi in this study produced higher amount of aflatoxin at low concentrations of the oil. 400 ppm concentration of C. cyminum L. from Alborz Mountain increased aflatoxin production to over fourfold. Aflatoxin productivity was declined at high concentration of the oil.,Background: Aspergillus species produce the highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), on food and agricultural commodities. Some natural products are known to inhibit aflatoxin productSun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:00 +0430Survey on ELISA Based on anti Influenza A NS1 Antibodies to Differentiate the Infected and Vaccinated Poultrieshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7055Materials and Methods: A total of 300 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) divided into three equal groups (1 to 3) .The chicks in group 1 were immunized with killed AIV H9N2. The chicks in group 2 were infected with AI virus subtype H9N2. The chicks in group 3 were kept as controls and did not receive any vaccined or lived virus. Chicks sera were collected at day 42 usingrNS1-ELISA and Commercial ELISA kit.,Results: Designed ELISA test for detection of antibody against influenza NS1 could experimentally distinguish the chicks infected with AIV and chicks immunized with killed influenza viruswith93.3% sensitivity and 100 ℅ specificity. 3 weeks after infection or vaccination, sera from all two treated groups were positively tested using commercial ELISA kit (IDEXX). In contrast, by NS1-ELISA, only infected groups sera were tested and the result was positive, and all sera samples from the vaccinated group were NS1-antibody titer were evaluated and the result were negative.,Conclusions:: It was concluded that antSun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0430Intestinal Parasites in Children with Lymphohematopoietic Malignancy in Iran, Mashhadhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7765Conclusions: With regards to the high incidence of gasterointestinal parasitic diseases and also because of asymptomatic cases of giardiasis, we recommend evaluation of pediatric patients with malignant lymphohematopoitic disease by at least two different diagnostic methods and three rounds of stool examination in order to prevent possible life threatening outcomes. Coproparasitoscopic study for oncologic patients should be performed and anti-parasitic treatment provided before starting chemotherapy to prevent disseminated parasitic infections. The coproantigen-ELISA is especially advantageous in situations where only a single stool sample can be examined.,Results: In this study 35.9% of our patients had parasitic infections and the following parasites were identified; G. lamblia (the most prevalent parasite in children) 16 (18%), Entamoeba coli 6 (6.7%) Blastocystis hominis 5 (5.6%) Iodamoeba butschlii 2 (2.2%). Chilomastics mesniliSat, 10 Aug 2013 04:30:00 +0430HBsAg Mutants Clustered Mainly Outside of “a” Determinant in Chronic Carriers From Azarbayjan Province, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6570Conclusions: The distribution of amino acid mutations as well as the ratio between missense and silent nucleotide mutations (dN/dS) showed that a narrowly focused immune pressure had already been on the surface protein (especially CTL epitopes) which led to the emergence of escape mutants in these patients who were in tolerance phase of chronicity.,Materials and Methods: The surface genes from 17 chronic carriers were amplified, sequenced and subsequently aligned using international and national Iranian database.,Results: All strains belonged to genotype D, subgenotype D1 and subtype ayw2. Of all 56 “mutations” that occurred at 37 nucleotide positions, 25 (44.6%) were missense (amino acid altering) and 31 (55.4%) were silent (no amino acid changing) (S/M ratio: 1.2). At the amino acid level, 21 (91.3%) out of 23 amino acid mutations occurred in different immune epitopes within the surface proteins, of which 3 (14.3%) occurred in B cell, 8 (38%) in T helper and 10 (47.7%) inside CTL epitopes. In general, tSat, 10 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0430Intestinal Parasites in Children with Lymphohematopoietic Malignancy in Iran, Mashhadhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7765Conclusions: With regards to the high incidence of gasterointestinal parasitic diseases and also because of asymptomatic cases of giardiasis, we recommend evaluation of pediatric patients with malignant lymphohematopoitic disease by at least two different diagnostic methods and three rounds of stool examination in order to prevent possible life threatening outcomes. Coproparasitoscopic study for oncologic patients should be performed and anti-parasitic treatment provided before starting chemotherapy to prevent disseminated parasitic infections. The coproantigen-ELISA is especially advantageous in situations where only a single stool sample can be examined.,Results: In this study 35.9% of our patients had parasitic infections and the following parasites were identified; G. lamblia (the most prevalent parasite in children) 16 (18%), Entamoeba coli 6 (6.7%) Blastocystis hominis 5 (5.6%) Iodamoeba butschlii 2 (2.2%). Chilomastics mesniliThu, 01 Aug 2013 04:30:00 +0430HBsAg Mutants Clustered Mainly Outside of “a” Determinant in Chronic Carriers From Azarbayjan Province, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6570Conclusions: The distribution of amino acid mutations as well as the ratio between missense and silent nucleotide mutations (dN/dS) showed that a narrowly focused immune pressure had already been on the surface protein (especially CTL epitopes) which led to the emergence of escape mutants in these patients who were in tolerance phase of chronicity.,Materials and Methods: The surface genes from 17 chronic carriers were amplified, sequenced and subsequently aligned using international and national Iranian database.,Results: All strains belonged to genotype D, subgenotype D1 and subtype ayw2. Of all 56 “mutations” that occurred at 37 nucleotide positions, 25 (44.6%) were missense (amino acid altering) and 31 (55.4%) were silent (no amino acid changing) (S/M ratio: 1.2). At the amino acid level, 21 (91.3%) out of 23 amino acid mutations occurred in different immune epitopes within the surface proteins, of which 3 (14.3%) occurred in B cell, 8 (38%) in T helper and 10 (47.7%) inside CTL epitopes. In general, tThu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Typing of Brucella melitensis and B. abortus From Human Blood Samples Using PCR-RFLP Methodhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7197Conclusions: The results of this study showed that PCR–RFLP technique was a fast and applicable method especially for separation, detection and differentiation between species of B. melitensis and B. abortus biovars in blood sample. Also the presented data showed that B. melitensis biovar 1 was the prevalence biovar.,Background: Brucella is an intracellular parasite of the disease brucellosis throughout the world. Although several molecular typing methods are introduced to find DNA polymorphism that is able to identify Brucella species and biovars, but among these methods, detection of polymorphisms by PCR–RFLP has several advantages including the easy implementation, interpretation and the ease of use for large quantities of samples.,Objectives: In the current study, the technique was used for molecular typing of Brucella abortus and B. melitensis that wThu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0430Evaluation of Protein A Gene Tandem Repeat Polymorphism of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Bovine Mastitis in Tabrizhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7934Results: A number of 7-11 repeats in the spa gene Xr region were determined. Strains with 10 repeats were65%, therefore they had the highest percentage in isolates. Seven repeats strains were 20% and each of the strains with 8, 9 and 11 repeats had the frequency of 5%. S. aureus strains antibiotic resistance was 35%, 5%, 45% and 40% for Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Gentamicin and Erythromycin respectively. All strains were susceptible to Methicillin and Vancomycin.,Objectives: Staphylococcal protein A (SPA) is one of the virulence factors of S. aureus which were encoded by spa gene. Different strains of S. aureus are varying in dissemination ability and power to infect mammary glands. The spa gene region Xr polymorphic sequence can be used for typing.,Materials and Methods: Twenty S. aureus cultures were isolated from bovine raw milk and analyzThu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Identification of Leishmania Species Isolated From Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Poledokhtar District, Lorestan Province, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8103Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis with zoonotic and anthroponotic forms is an endemic disease and a health problem in our country. Identification of parasite species and the type of disease is very important for treatment of disease as well as planning the control program. This study was carried out to identify the parasite species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis by Nested PCR in Poledokhtar district, Lorestan province, Iran.,Objectives: Identification of Leishmania species on patients’ leishmanial infections in Poledokhtar district, Lorestan province, Iran.,Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 52 cutaneous leishmaniasis patients who referred to Poledokhtar health centre laboratory since 2008 - 2011. DNA was extracted from slide samples by phenol- chloroform- isoamyl alcohol method, and was evaluated by specific primers of kinetoplast DNA (CSB1XR, CSB2XF, LiR and 13Z) using Nested-PCR.,Results: From 52 confirmed parasitological cases, 31 (59.62%) were male and 21Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0430Grain-Borne Mycoflora and Fumonisin B1 From Fresh-Harvested and Stored Rice in Northern Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6414Results: Mycoflora profiles of fresh and stored rice grains showed that Aspergillus species (37.3%, 40.7%) were the predominant fungal agents, followed by Fusarium (21.6%, 16.2%), Mucor (19.6%, 16.7%) and Rhizopus (9.8%, 11.1%), respectively. In HPLC analysis, most of the rice samples (96.7%) collected were found to be positive for FB1 with mean levels ranging from not detected to 56.2 mg/kg for fresh samples and from 4.3 to 42.8 mg/kg for stored ones. FB1 levels varied from one zone to another and throughout the storage time, showing a decreasing trend in most zones.,Conclusions: Rice samples with a high prevalence of diverse species of toxigenic fungi, in particular Aspergillus and Fusarium species, and high levels of FB1 in many samples indicate the need for proper surveillance and monitoring exclusively for the prevention of fungi and FB1 in rice produced in Mazandaran province before it reaches the consuMon, 01 Jul 2013 04:30:00 +0430Prevalence of Fungal Allergens in Respiratory Allergic Patients in Ahvaz City, Southwest Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4864Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 295 volunteers with the signs and symptoms of allergic diseases who referred to the Khuzestan Jahad Daneshgahi Medical Center in Ahvaz during 2010 were investigated. All patients were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) with common allergenic extracts. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18 software using Chi square test.,Results: Seventy subjects, comprising 23.7% of the study group had positive skin test to at least one of the fungal allergens. The prevalence rate of sensitivity to fungal allergens was as follow: Cephalosporin 11.5%; mold mix 9.8%; Penicillium mix 9.5%; Alternaria mix 8.1%; and Aspergillus 5.1%. Mean total IgE in patients with SPT was significantly higher than in patients without any positive skin prick test (251 vs. 125 IU/mL, P = 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of sensitization to these allergens between two sexes; whereas, 15-35 age groups had significantly higher rMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Last Three Years Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Uropathogens in Southwest of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4958Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, all urine samples of children hospitalized with urinary tract infection (288 patients, aged 1mon -14.5 years) during October 2008 to May 2011 were included in the study. After bacteria were identified by standard methods, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a panel of antimicrobial agents.,Results: The most of patients were girls (n = 226, 78.5%), and the median age was 13 months. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (84%), Klebsiella spp. (10.1%), Enterococcus spp. (2.4%), Proteus spp. (1.7%), and Pseudomonas spp. (1.7%). Overall bacterial resistance spectrum was the highest for co-trimoxazole (64.8%), followed by gentamicin (44.6%), amikacin (40.5%), nalidixic acid (37.3%), cefotaxime (28.9%), cefixime (27.5%), ceftriaxone (27.4%), and nitrofurantoin (10.2%). The female:male ratio was 2:1 (67.1% versus 32.9%) in infants aged &lt; 1 year and 8:1 in those aged Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430A Study of the Effect of Zataria multiflora Extract on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureushttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5453Background: One of the most common nasocomial bacteria is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Today, herbal extracts like Zataria multiflora from the Lamiaceae family are increasingly used.,Objectives: In this study, the antibacterial effect of Z. multiflora on 75 strains of was evaluated.,Materials and Methods: The strains of Staphylococcus aureus were examined for isolation of strains. 75 out of 232 strains were diagnosed as by oxacillin 6µg /mL screening method. The extracts of Z. multiflora were prepared from dried leaves using a maceration method. The antibacterial activity of the extract with initial concentration of 200 µg /mL was determined by the micro broth dilution method.,Results: The obtained results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied from 2 to 16µg /mL for strains. It inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Rapid Detection of Acute Respiratory Virus and Atypical Bacteria Infections in Childrenhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6236Conclusions: MP, FluB and RSV are the principal contributors to ARI in the Hubei area, with mixed infections, typically of MP and FluB, being the most common pathogens statistically significant between different age groups.,Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is one of the primary diseases that cause high morbidity and mortality to children especially in developing countries. ARI can come from a number of pathogens, which are not necessarily identical in different regions or groups. As similar symptoms become evident in child ARI without specific particularities, respiratory infectious diseases are most of the time clinically diagnosed and treated less selectively than required, and antibiotics are largely used for non-bacterial respiratory system infections. Therefore, rapid detection of respiratory pathogens is necessary for the correct and appropriate treatment of ARI.,Objectives: To obtain a general understanding of the pathogenic spectrum of ARI for children and provide basis for clinical infecMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Virulence Gene’s Relationship With Biofilm Formation and Detection of aac (6’)/aph (2”) in Enterococcus faecalis Isolated From Patients With Urinary Tract Infectionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6244Objectives: We investigated the potential relationships between biofilm formation and prevalence of virulence genes (asa1, esp, cylA, and gelE/sprE), and antimicrobial resistance genes (aac (6’)/aph (2”) in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infection.,Patients and Methods: In this survey 95 E. faecalis isolates from patients with urinary tract infections staying at Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kashan, Iran, between 2007 and 2008 were studied. We analyzed the prevalence of genes encoding virulence factors (asa1, esp, cylA and gelE/ sprE), and antimicrobial resistance genes [(aac (6’)/aph (2”)] by PCR. In addition, the production of biofilm and extracellular enzymes, hemolysin (Hln) and Gelatinase were examined.,Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between biofilm formation and possession of esp and aac Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Problems in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery: Evaluation of the Interaction Between Preservatives and Cyclodextrinshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6333Background: Today, the use of cyclodextrins (CDs) is a major concern in drug formulations to improve solubility and stability of compounds. It has been known that CDs can reduce the antimicrobial effectiveness of preservatives by formation of inclusion complexes.,Objectives: In this study the interaction between commonly used preservatives, benzalkonium chloride (BZCl) or methyl paraben (MP), with synthetic CDs (HP γ-CD or SBE β-CD) in the presence or absence of ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), as a preservative potentiator, and fluorometholone was investigated.,Materials and Methods: The tests were performed during a 4 week period according to the preservative effectiveness test of USP 2010.,Results: The results showed that CDs reduce the effectiveness of BZCl and MP even in the presence of drug molecules. The only exception was HP γ-CD 5% solution with BZCl and EDTA which was effective against tested microorganisms both in the presence and absence of drug molecules.,Conclusions: The solution ofMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Prevalence of Resistance of Helicobacter pylori Strains to Selected Antibiotics in Isfahan, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6342Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. It colonizes about 50-60% of the world’s population. The estimated prevalence of H. pylori infection is approximately 65% in Iran.,Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin.,Materials and Methods: A total of 110 biopsy specimens were collected from patients with clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders who were referred to the endoscopy unit at Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. We investigated the frequency of H. pylori resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin among 48 positive isolates of H. pylori from the referred patients. After the culture of biopsy specimens and identification of H. pylori strains, susceptibility tests were done using the E test (epsMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Screening of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Type P Encoding Gene From Clinical Isolateshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6365Conclusions: The results revealed, the specific primers that amplified the entE gene were able to amplify the Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Like Toxin Type P gene. The specific primers for the entP gene were amplified a fragmented gene (700 bp) showed 100% homology with entP reference gene and also 80% homology with entA and entE genes.,Results: The PCR amplification method was optimized for entP gene detection. The used primer pairs were amplified for 213 bp and 700 bp fragment separately. The sequencing results indicate that only 98 (28%) out of the 350 strains of S. aureus contained entP gene. The results of Enzyme immunoassay test for enterotoxins detection revealed that 79 (22.57%) of the strains contained entP gene were which also produced other enterotoxins (such as enterotoxin A to E) and 19 (5.43%) of the strains were carriers of only enterotoxin P gene unable to produce other enterotoxins.,Background: In recent years, the roles of Staphylococcal enterotoxins in the non-gastrointestinalMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Hepatitis B and C Infections and Different Genotypes of HCV Among Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Ahvaz, South-Western Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6368Background: Although it is life-saving, blood transfusion therapy has resulted in risk for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in the majority of sickle cell anemia being patients.,Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and different genotypes of HCV among sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients in Ahvaz city, South-western Iran.,Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 SCA patients who referred to the Hemoglobinopathy and Thalassemia research centre during January 2009 to February 2010. Patients` sera were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV using ELISA and confirmed by PCR (HBV) and RT-PCR (HCV). HCV genotypes were determined with HCV genotype specific primers using HCV genotyping kit.,Conclusions: It seems that stringent donor selection procedures reduce HCV infection in multi-transfused patients, but there is still serious risk for these patients.,Results: The overall prevalence rate of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 1.8% (95% CI: 0-5.26) and 12.5% (95% CIMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Anti leishmanial Effect of Artemether on Leishmania infantumhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6379Conclusions: Artemether especially in oral treatment is an effective and simple method and may be used as a new method to treat visceral leishmaniasis.,Results: IC50 of the drug on Leishmania infantum was determined to be 25 μg/mL after 24 h. In Vivo experiments indicated that oral artemether treatment of mice, during 3 days and every 6 h (0.625 mg/kg) was more significant than parenteral (0.625 mg/kg IP) treatment. Artemether exerts its cytotoxic effect on this parasite via apoptosis-related mechanism. Accordingly, parasite burden in the current study decreased in the liver and spleen of mice by oral treatment.,Objectives: In this study we used artemether as a new drug for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.,Materials and Methods: In the present study, BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania infantum (MHOM/TN/80/IPI1) were treated with the most effective dose of artemether assessed with In Vitro assay. Artemether was given in parenteral and oMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Isolation of Phytase Producing Bacteria and Optimization of Phytase Production Parametershttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6419Conclusions: The present study suggests that the enzyme obtained from strain B. subtilis can be used as feed supplement in animal diet also for reduction of phosphorus pollution problem in areas of livestock production.,Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in Biotechnology laboratory, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. To isolate phytase producing bacteria from different soil samples like cattle shed, pulse crop field, poultry farms, and etc. 0.1 gr of the soil samples were streaked on phytase screening medium. The qualitative screening of the isolates was performed on phytase screening medium plate with 1.5% agar, and phytase activity was determined by using shaking flask method. The best phytase producer was optimized using different parameters of phytase production.,Results: We isolated 32 phytase producing bacteria on phytase screening media. Upon screening of these strains, one of the best strain (DR6) which showed a 39 mm cMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Review on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Occupational Hazards and Management of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Elderly: A Guide for General Physicians Working in the Health Network Setting, Khuzestan, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6677: Elderly, due to immunosuppression caused by predisposing factors such as age, drugs, underlying diseases or malnutrition, is a risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).Aged patients with PTB because of difficulty in diagnosis remain undiagnosed and acts as a source of infection in occupational space of health service units. General physicians (GP) as health care workers (HCW) are concerned about PTB in elderly both as an important public health problem and as an occupational hazard. A systematic review of the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis in elderly from 1991 to 2012 using computerized bibliographic databases which includes PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Google scholar and Iran Medex was carried out to increase understanding of tuberculosis in aged patients attending the health care units. Information obtained from previous studies on PTB has yielded better knowledge about this life threatening illness. This information enables GPs and HCWs to provide improMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Human Demodicosis: A Report of 5 Caseshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7465Introduction: Rosacea is a chronic skin disease affecting the facial area. The causative agents are unknown. Demodex mites can cause rosacea in human beings.,Case Presentation: In this article five cases of rosacea due to Demodex folliculorum are reported. The first case was a 26-year-old male wrestler. The second case was a 4-year-old-boy with immunodeficiency syndrome, the third case was a 29-year-old lady, the fourth was a 7-year old boy and the fifth was a 36-year-old female. All patients were suffering from erythema, itching, inflammation and in some cases acne-like pustules in their face. The first case was suffering from lesions on his neck as well. All patients were referred to the Iran-Zamin diagnostic laboratory for fungal examination. Scraping from the lesions and slide preparation in 20% KOH and microscopic examination revealed D. folliculorum. Scotch tape examination of the lesion on the neck of the first patientMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Antifungal Efficacy of Aqueous and Gaseous Ozone in Root Canals Infected by Candida albicanshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8150Conclusions: When gaseous ozone was used alone in root canals, its antifungal effect was not sufficient. However, applying aqueous ozone with ultrasonic technique showed stronger antifungal effects than aqueous ozone with manual technique in root canals.,Background: Candida albicans is one of the important microorganism which can be isolated from normal flora in the mouth. The resistance of C. albicans against disinfectants like ozone can reduce success rate of root canal treatments.,Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the antifungal efficacy of aqueous and gaseous ozone in human root canals infected by C. albicans.,Materials and Methods: Fifty single-root mandibular premolar teeth were selected. The teeth were prepared and sterilized. C. albicans were incubated in root canals and kept at 37°C for 24 h. The teeth were divided into one positive, one negative control, and three experimental groups (n Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Distribution of OXA-Type Class D β-Lactamase Genes Among Nosocomial Multi Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated in Tehran Hospitalshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=8219Conclusions: The present study showed that bla OXA-23-like was the most frequent carbapenemase identified among carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolated in Tehran hospitals. Evaluation of antibiotic resistance genes in A. baumannii, is necessary to control further dissemination of these antibiotic resistant genes.,Results: Results showed that 123 of 131 (93.89%) Acinetobacter species, possessed bla oxa-51-like gene and were identified as A. baumannii. 54.47% of isolates were resistant to amikacin, 67.47% resistant to imipenem and 84.55% resistant to meropenem. All isolates were susceptible to colistin and polymixin B. 43 of 123 A. baumannii isolates (34.95%) were MDR. These isolates were resistant to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, cefrazidim. Among 123 isolates, 100(81.3 %) had an acquired oxa-23like carbapenemase 10 (8.1%) possessed oxa-24-like, and 1 (0.81%) possessed oxa-58-like carbapenemase.,BackgrMon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0430Serological Survey of Avian Influenza (H9N2) Among Different Occupational Groups in Tehran and Qazvin Provinces in IR Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5441Objectives: The aim of this was to indentify the presence of A/H9N2 virus among different high risk occupational groups, in Tehran and Qazvin provinces in seasonal outbreak in Iran.,Background: In the last decade H9N2 avian influenza viruses had caused outbreaks in poultry in many parts of the world. This subtype could infect other animals such as human and pig. Avian H9N2 virus has acquired receptor binding characteristics typical of human’s strains, increasing the potential for reassortment in both human and pig respiratory tracts. This indicates that the A/H9N2 would be a potential threat to human population.,Conclusions: The findings of this study show that H9N2 avian influenza virus can infect human. Repeated interspecies transmission H9N2 viruses from poultry to human raises concerns about adapting of this subtype with new host.,Results: Only 3 (1.64%) in HI that showed titer ≥ 20 and 21 (11.53%) sera in ELISA showed OD &gt; 0.7 were assumed positive for H9 virus infection.,Material and Methods: 182Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0430The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori babA2, iceA1 and iceA2 Genes and Their Association with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Gastritis, Ulcerative Diseases and Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia in South East of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4739Results: The frequency of the babA2, iceA1 and iceA2 genes in the total isolates were 34 (54%), 14 (22.2%) and 34 (54%), respectively. The association of these virulence factors based on sex and age groups were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). There was a borderline significant association between iceA1 and the clinical outcomes (P = 0.094).,Patients and Methods: In this study, 63 positive culture samples out of 191 biopsies examined to determine of babA2, iceA1 and iceA2 genes by PCR. DNA extracted from 63 Helicobacter positive specimens including 46 chronic active gastritis, 6 ulcerative diseases and non-ulcer dyspepsia 11.,Background: Helicobacter pylori virulence factors are important in development of the clinical outcomes. The initial stage of colonization is binding of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells through the babA protein. Heterogeneity among H. pyloriMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Study of the Assimilation Rate of Immunoenzymatic Tests and Traditional Serological Methods in the Diagnosis of Human Brucellosishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4828Results: In this setting, detection rate of the disease is 34.86%, if the high normal titer for the Wrights test titer assumed 1/80 and is 44.95% if the titer assumed 1/40, while Elisa test had detection rate of 58.72% for those suspicious cases. Furthermore, the detection rate for diagnosis of active brucellosis with 2ME tests was 17.54% with high normal titer of 1/80 and was 59.64% with a high normal titer of 1/40.,Conclusions: The use of the Elisa tests is preferable for the diagnosis, and if the serological tests are used it is better that the high normal titer assumed to be 1/40.,Materials and Methods: In this study, patients were selected who had suspicious clinical symptoms of brucellosis. Serological and Elisa tests were performed simultaneously.,Objectives: It is observed practically, that the sensitivity of serological tests is less than the amounts mentioned in the reference books. Elisa is a new method for diagnosis of the disease and in this study; application and its assimilation rate are comparMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Agents in Four Geographical Regions of Khuzestan Province Using Nested PCRhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4866Conclusions: L. major is the main species responsible for cutaneous leishmsniasis in four geographical regions of Khuzestan province southwestern of Iran and Nested PCR can be used for diagnosis and Leishmania species identification.,Results: 138 (94.5%) out of 146 cases of four regions were L. major and 8(5.5%) were L. tropica. 57.97% of L. major cases were male and 42.03% were female. 87.5% of L. tropica were male and 12.5% were female. The maximum number of L. tropica cases was found in the northern region (8.16%) and the minimum was found in the western region (3.22%). 96.78% of L. major cases belonged to the western region of Khuzestan.,Background: Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major are the main causes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic regions of Iran.,Objectives: The aim of this study was the identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis agents in Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Airborne Fungi in Tabriz, Comparing Airborne and Clinical Samples of A. fumigatus (2011), Survey and Literature Reviewhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4997Results: The main isolated fungal spores from the atmosphere of Tabriz district were Penicillium Sp. (36.6%), Cladosporidium Sp. (26.8%) and Aspergillus Sp. (23.6%).,Conclusions: The presence of fungal spores in the atmosphere as a part of air pollution can cause significant problems for human health, particularly in the respiratory tracts.,Background: Air contamination with fungal spores and the presence of these spores on respiratory tract, especially in industrialized cities with contaminated air, can play an important role on the occurrence of respiratory and coetaneous mycoses, asthma and allergic reactions. This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of different fungal spores in the atmosphere of Tabriz district.,Objectives: The present study aimed to detect fungal air spores in Tabriz environments, and to compare the environmental samples of Aspergillus fumigatus with the clinical isolated samples of this fungus, due to tMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Biological and Immunological Evaluation of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup A Outer Membrane Vesicle as Vaccine Candidateshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5007Conclusions: The results showed that the extracted OMVs were conformationally stable, and there were no pyrogenic determinants in OMV. Also the results showed that the OMV elicited high level of specific antibodies against N. meningitidis serogroup A. These results indicate that the OMV obtained here, can be used as a meningococcal vaccine after further investigation.,Materials and Methods: OMVs were extracted with deoxycholate and EDTA, and purification was performed by sequential ultracentrifugation. Physicochemical properties of extracted OMVs were analyzed by electron microscopy and SDS-PAGE. The toxicity of LPS content in its was assayed by LAL test. The Presence of PorA as a major component of OMV was confirmed by western blot. To study antibodies synthesis after immunization with OMV, ELISA method was used. Also serum bactericidal assay (SBA) was performed to determine the serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis serogroup A.,Results: The results revealed that the content of protein extracteMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Preparing Starchy Foods Containing Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluating Antimicrobial Activitiyhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5075Background: Silver has been used from ancient times by humans, and recently nanoparticles of silver have been used in many aspects of human life including as a potent antibacterial agent.,Objectives: In the current study a completely green method to prepare silver nanoparticles is reported. Two types of starches (potato and corn starches) were used to produce and stabilize silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of prepared nanofoods were investigated.,Materials and Methods: Nanosilver particles have been produced using high temperature water containing bulk silver nitrate and starch sources. Presence of nanosilver containing particles and formation of the nanoparticles were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The anti-bacterial activity of emulsions made from nanoparticles containing starches was evaluated by assessing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against the studied standard, and pathogenic bacteria.,Results: Findings oMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Prevalence of Active Tuberculosis Among Patients With Fibrotic Lesion in Chest CT-Scanhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5179Background: Since tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem that is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infectious diseases worldwide, early diagnosis and treatment are important to control an effective tuberculosis (TB) and also the increasing number of patients with atypical manifestations of active TB. It suggests more evaluation for active TB in fibrotic lesion in CT scan.,Objectives: We evaluated patients with each respiratory complaints and apical fibrocalcification in chest CT scan to detect active TB.,Patients and Methods: This study was an observational cross sectional study and was carried out from July 2010 to September 2011 in our teaching hospital. Patients with apical fibrocalcification or fibrocystic lesion in lung CT scan (regardless of the size), without history of TB or other diseases which can cause these lesions were enrolled, then sputum analysis was performed, and in case the result was negative, we did bronchoalveolar lavage for them.,Results: We gathered 40 patienMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Helicobacter pylori Infection: Regulatory T Cells and Their Participation in the Immune Responsehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5183: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and affects more than half of the global human population. This microorganism shows variations in its geographical distribution and causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The development of these clinical entities depends on the bacterial strain and its virulence, the host genetic predisposition, immunological response, concurrent infections and infestations. In the immune response for the eradication of H. pylori different types of cells and mediators are involved. Studies reveal that the bacterial infection predominate the cytokines of Th1 phenotype with secretion of abundant levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 by mucosal T cells. The inability of patients to clear H. pylori infections is a consequence of active immunosuppression and evasive mechanisms of bacteria. Many immune factors are involved: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Impact of Two Purified Forms of Bordetella Pertussis CyaA on Oxidative Bursthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5227Background: Adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) is an important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, and a potential component of acellular pertussis vaccine.,Objectives: In the present study the impact of invasive CyaA on oxidative activities of phagocytes was compared with the other form of this molecule to investigate the activity of different parts of molecules on leukocytes.,Materials and Methods: The work involved the production of two purified forms of CyaA with different enzymic and invasive properties. They were: the native enzymatically-active, invasive toxin (CyaA), an invasive derivative lacking AC enzymic activity (CyaA*). Different concentrations of CyaA and CyaA* were used to investigate dose-dependent effects of the toxins on oxidative burst in U937 human monoblastic cells, J774.2 mouse macrophage-like cells and fresh human granulocyte cells by Burst Test assay.,Conclusions: The results of the study showed that both enzymatic and invasive functions were rMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Relative Frequency of Seasonal Influenza A and B in Khuzestan Province by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) During 2009-2010http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5312Results:: Of 655 samples, 69 (10.53%) had positive results for human influenza A virus, and 5 (0.7%) samples had positive results for influenza B. Of those 69 samples with positive results for influenza A viruses, 45 (6.8%) were H3N2, and 24 (3.6%) were H1N1 subtypes. In this study most cases with positive results were less than 20 years. The sample positive included 49% males and 51% females. The peak seasonal influenza was between October and December 2009.,Conclusions: This finding showed that the predominant subtype of influenza virus among patients is A/H3N2, followed by A/H1N1 and B in Khuzestan province during the 2009-2010.,Background: Influenza A and B viruses are the major causative agents of human respiratory infections, and these viruses are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity around the world.,Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of influenza among suspected patients with influenza-like syndrome by RT- PCR assay in Khuzestan province of Iran duriMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430L- Tryptophan Production by Whole Cells of Escherichia coli Based on Iranian Sugar Beet Molasseshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5370Conclusions: our present study shows that sugar beet molasses is a source of PLP and L-Ser; and hence, suggests the general application of the approach to produce L-Trp more economically.,Results: Consequently, the potassium phosphate buffer system was considered as the suitably buffered reaction medium. The concentration of L-Trp produced in reaction medium was 0.3 mM and 0.12 mM for glucose and molasses (a combination of sugar beet and cane molasses), respectively.,Materials and Methods: E. coli (ATCC 11303) was used as the microbial source of tryptophan. Batch fermentation was performed with 8L sugar beet molasses medium. The fermentation was carried out at 37 °C with an agitation speed at 250 rpm. The pH was controlled at 7 with 10 N NaOH. The cells were recovered by centrifugation. A 1g mass of E. coli cells (wet mass) was used as the biocatalyst in the reaction medium (100 cc) containing (in grams/100cc): Molasses/glucose=3.5; Indole=0.2; L-Serine=0.35; PLP=0.005; (NH4)2SO4 =0.5. The rMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Immunostimulatory Effects of Aqueous Extract of Heracleum persicum Desf. on Mouse Peritoneal Macrophageshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5373Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of the aqueous extract of Heracleum persicum on mouse peritoneal macrophages.,Background: The immune system provides protection against infectious diseases that are caused by various microorganisms, in particular pathogenic fungi. Utilization of herbal immunostimulants is one solution to improve the immunity of humans and to decrease their susceptibility to infectious diseases.,Materials and Methods: The present in vitro study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of H. perscium on the viability of macrophages and nitric oxide (NO) production using microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Griess method, respectively. The effects on fungicidal activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of stimulated peritoneal macrophages were also studied using killing method and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay, respectively.,Results: The aqueous extract of H. persicum (Hp-W) at concentratioMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus, coa and spa Genes in Ahvaz Hospitals, Staff Nose Compared With Patients Clinical Sampleshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5377Conclusion:: The outcome of this study show that spa and coa typing are suitable meth­ods for MRSA isolates typing because it is easy to use and interpret them, and that these methods can be useful in infection source detection and its control especially in epidemic situations.,Result:: PCR results showed seven different patterns for staff and five different patterns for patients based on spa gene, and for coa gene five and six different patterns respectively. In addition, the prevalence of MRSA was 52.5 in staff and 83.7 in patients' specimens. Comparison of genetic diversity of spa, and coa genes in Ahvaz university hospitals doesn’t show significant difference (Chi-square and fisher's exact test).,Materials and Methods: In the current study, 157 clinical specimens were collected from patients who were treated at the Ahvaz medical university hospitals including 79 specimens (50.3%) from Sina hospital, 34 specimens (21.7%) from Imam Khomeini hospital, and 44 specimens (28%) from Golestan hospital and 157 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Isolation of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) From Raw Milk in Kermanshah by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5439Background: Infectious diarrhoeal diseases cause major problems throughout the world and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) may cause infantile diarrhoea among children in developing countries.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of EPEC strains in raw milk samples.,Materials and Methods: Raw milk samples collected from various cow farms in Kermanshah, Iran, during the period of 22nd June to 22nd September 2009 and were examined for EPEC presence using PCR reactions targeting eaeA, and then stx1 and stx2.,Results: Of the 206 samples, 17 (8.25%) were contaminated with E. coli eaeA positive and stx1 and stx2 negative (EPEC).,Conclusions: Our results confirm that raw milk recovered in Kermanshah may be a source for gastrointestinal infections by EPEC and strict preventive measures should be adopted to decrease contamination of milk with EPEC and other bacteria originated from animals.Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Mycoflora of Fungal Contamination in Wheat Storage (Silos) in Golestan Province, North of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6334Background: Cereal products are susceptible to mould damage during pre- and post-harvesting stages of the production. The regional specificity of Golestan province in the northern region of of Iran, with its high temperature and high relative humidity, acts as a leading factor for the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi. It is well known that contamination of starch-based ingredients with mycotoxigenic fungi is a risk factor among the consumers due to its aflatoxins.,Objectives: This survey was carried out to determine the extent of fungal contamination of wheat in three silos of Golestan province in Iran.,Materials and Methods: 34 samples from three active silos were collected in order to clean the polyethylene bags. Wheat analyzed for fungal contamination and aflatoxins extracted by immunoaffinity column chromatography, and measured by HPLC method.,Results: The most common moulds isolated were Alternaria spp. 26.7%, Aspergillus niger 21.4%, Fusarium spp. 17Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Hepatitis C Virus Subtype 6a Infection in an Iranian Patient: A Case Reporthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6560: The patient was infected with HCV subtype 6a. Prior to this case, there have been no previous reports on the isolation of this genotype/subtype from any other Iranian patient. Previous epidemiological studies provide valuable information about the distribution patterns of different HCV genotypes. However, infection with genotypes other than common ones should be flagged by specialists and diagnostic laboratories, especially in patients with high-risk behavioral backgrounds.,: The case was a 62-year-old man with positive anti-HCV antibody. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were 14 and 32 IU/L respectively. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma. HCV RNA level was determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Following the synthesis of the complementary DNA, 5’-UTR/core region of the HCV genome was amplified and subjected to direct sequencing. Genetic distances were estimated and phylogenetic tree was constructed. HCV viral load was 9,572,718 IU/Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Epidemiological Surveillance of Norovirus Diarrhea in Hospitalized Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in South of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7866Conclusions: Regarding the emergence of noroviruses as a relevant cause of acute diarrhea in Iranian children, there is a great need to introduce a routine norovirus testing of hospitalized patients with gastroenteritis, particularly in children under 2 years old during the cold season.,Results: Of the total collected samples, noroviruses were detected in 47 out of 375 (12.53%). The highest infection rate was among children under two years of age (76.6%) (P = 0.001). Diarrhea (95.74%), vomiting (87.23%) and fever (82.98%) were the most frequently reported clinical symptoms in children with norovirus gastroenteritis. The highest prevalence of the virus was observed in autumn (63.83%) and the lowest in summer (6.38%) (P = 0.015).,Patients and Methods: Between 2008 and 2010, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 375 stool samples from children under 7 years of age, who suffered from acute gastroenteritis and who were admitted to the Pediatrics Unit of the 17 Shahrivar Hospital in the city of BorazMon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus, coa and spa Genes in Ahvaz Hospitals, Staff Nose Compared With Patients Clinical Sampleshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5377Conclusion:: The outcome of this study show that spa and coa typing are suitable meth­ods for MRSA isolates typing because it is easy to use and interpret them, and that these methods can be useful in infection source detection and its control especially in epidemic situations.,Result:: PCR results showed seven different patterns for staff and five different patterns for patients based on spa gene, and for coa gene five and six different patterns respectively. In addition, the prevalence of MRSA was 52.5 in staff and 83.7 in patients' specimens. Comparison of genetic diversity of spa, and coa genes in Ahvaz university hospitals doesn’t show significant difference (Chi-square and fisher's exact test).,Materials and Methods: In the current study, 157 clinical specimens were collected from patients who were treated at the Ahvaz medical university hospitals including 79 specimens (50.3%) from Sina hospital, 34 specimens (21.7%) from Imam Khomeini hospital, and 44 specimens (28%) from Golestan hospital and 157 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 04:30:00 +0430Serological Survey of Avian Influenza (H9N2) Among Different Occupational Groups in Tehran and Qazvin Provinces in IR Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5441Objectives: The aim of this was to indentify the presence of A/H9N2 virus among different high risk occupational groups, in Tehran and Qazvin provinces in seasonal outbreak in Iran.,Background: In the last decade H9N2 avian influenza viruses had caused outbreaks in poultry in many parts of the world. This subtype could infect other animals such as human and pig. Avian H9N2 virus has acquired receptor binding characteristics typical of human’s strains, increasing the potential for reassortment in both human and pig respiratory tracts. This indicates that the A/H9N2 would be a potential threat to human population.,Conclusions: The findings of this study show that H9N2 avian influenza virus can infect human. Repeated interspecies transmission H9N2 viruses from poultry to human raises concerns about adapting of this subtype with new host.,Results: Only 3 (1.64%) in HI that showed titer ≥ 20 and 21 (11.53%) sera in ELISA showed OD &gt; 0.7 were assumed positive for H9 virus infection.,Material and Methods: 182Sat, 01 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0430Identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Agents in Four Geographical Regions of Khuzestan Province Using Nested PCRhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4866Conclusions: L. major is the main species responsible for cutaneous leishmsniasis in four geographical regions of Khuzestan province southwestern of Iran and Nested PCR can be used for diagnosis and Leishmania species identification.,Results: 138 (94.5%) out of 146 cases of four regions were L. major and 8(5.5%) were L. tropica. 57.97% of L. major cases were male and 42.03% were female. 87.5% of L. tropica were male and 12.5% were female. The maximum number of L. tropica cases was found in the northern region (8.16%) and the minimum was found in the western region (3.22%). 96.78% of L. major cases belonged to the western region of Khuzestan.,Background: Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major are the main causes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic regions of Iran.,Objectives: The aim of this study was the identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis agents in Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Airborne Fungi in Tabriz, Comparing Airborne and Clinical Samples of A. fumigatus (2011), Survey and Literature Reviewhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4997Results: The main isolated fungal spores from the atmosphere of Tabriz district were Penicillium Sp. (36.6%), Cladosporidium Sp. (26.8%) and Aspergillus Sp. (23.6%).,Conclusions: The presence of fungal spores in the atmosphere as a part of air pollution can cause significant problems for human health, particularly in the respiratory tracts.,Background: Air contamination with fungal spores and the presence of these spores on respiratory tract, especially in industrialized cities with contaminated air, can play an important role on the occurrence of respiratory and coetaneous mycoses, asthma and allergic reactions. This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of different fungal spores in the atmosphere of Tabriz district.,Objectives: The present study aimed to detect fungal air spores in Tabriz environments, and to compare the environmental samples of Aspergillus fumigatus with the clinical isolated samples of this fungus, due to tSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Biological and Immunological Evaluation of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup A Outer Membrane Vesicle as Vaccine Candidateshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5007Conclusions: The results showed that the extracted OMVs were conformationally stable, and there were no pyrogenic determinants in OMV. Also the results showed that the OMV elicited high level of specific antibodies against N. meningitidis serogroup A. These results indicate that the OMV obtained here, can be used as a meningococcal vaccine after further investigation.,Materials and Methods: OMVs were extracted with deoxycholate and EDTA, and purification was performed by sequential ultracentrifugation. Physicochemical properties of extracted OMVs were analyzed by electron microscopy and SDS-PAGE. The toxicity of LPS content in its was assayed by LAL test. The Presence of PorA as a major component of OMV was confirmed by western blot. To study antibodies synthesis after immunization with OMV, ELISA method was used. Also serum bactericidal assay (SBA) was performed to determine the serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis serogroup A.,Results: The results revealed that the content of protein extracteSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Preparing Starchy Foods Containing Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluating Antimicrobial Activitiyhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5075Background: Silver has been used from ancient times by humans, and recently nanoparticles of silver have been used in many aspects of human life including as a potent antibacterial agent.,Objectives: In the current study a completely green method to prepare silver nanoparticles is reported. Two types of starches (potato and corn starches) were used to produce and stabilize silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of prepared nanofoods were investigated.,Materials and Methods: Nanosilver particles have been produced using high temperature water containing bulk silver nitrate and starch sources. Presence of nanosilver containing particles and formation of the nanoparticles were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The anti-bacterial activity of emulsions made from nanoparticles containing starches was evaluated by assessing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against the studied standard, and pathogenic bacteria.,Results: Findings oSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Prevalence of Active Tuberculosis Among Patients With Fibrotic Lesion in Chest CT-Scanhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5179Background: Since tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem that is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infectious diseases worldwide, early diagnosis and treatment are important to control an effective tuberculosis (TB) and also the increasing number of patients with atypical manifestations of active TB. It suggests more evaluation for active TB in fibrotic lesion in CT scan.,Objectives: We evaluated patients with each respiratory complaints and apical fibrocalcification in chest CT scan to detect active TB.,Patients and Methods: This study was an observational cross sectional study and was carried out from July 2010 to September 2011 in our teaching hospital. Patients with apical fibrocalcification or fibrocystic lesion in lung CT scan (regardless of the size), without history of TB or other diseases which can cause these lesions were enrolled, then sputum analysis was performed, and in case the result was negative, we did bronchoalveolar lavage for them.,Results: We gathered 40 patienSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Helicobacter pylori Infection: Regulatory T Cells and Their Participation in the Immune Responsehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5183: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and affects more than half of the global human population. This microorganism shows variations in its geographical distribution and causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The development of these clinical entities depends on the bacterial strain and its virulence, the host genetic predisposition, immunological response, concurrent infections and infestations. In the immune response for the eradication of H. pylori different types of cells and mediators are involved. Studies reveal that the bacterial infection predominate the cytokines of Th1 phenotype with secretion of abundant levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 by mucosal T cells. The inability of patients to clear H. pylori infections is a consequence of active immunosuppression and evasive mechanisms of bacteria. Many immune factors are involved: Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Impact of Two Purified Forms of Bordetella Pertussis CyaA on Oxidative Bursthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5227Background: Adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) is an important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, and a potential component of acellular pertussis vaccine.,Objectives: In the present study the impact of invasive CyaA on oxidative activities of phagocytes was compared with the other form of this molecule to investigate the activity of different parts of molecules on leukocytes.,Materials and Methods: The work involved the production of two purified forms of CyaA with different enzymic and invasive properties. They were: the native enzymatically-active, invasive toxin (CyaA), an invasive derivative lacking AC enzymic activity (CyaA*). Different concentrations of CyaA and CyaA* were used to investigate dose-dependent effects of the toxins on oxidative burst in U937 human monoblastic cells, J774.2 mouse macrophage-like cells and fresh human granulocyte cells by Burst Test assay.,Conclusions: The results of the study showed that both enzymatic and invasive functions were rSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Relative Frequency of Seasonal Influenza A and B in Khuzestan Province by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) During 2009-2010http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5312Results:: Of 655 samples, 69 (10.53%) had positive results for human influenza A virus, and 5 (0.7%) samples had positive results for influenza B. Of those 69 samples with positive results for influenza A viruses, 45 (6.8%) were H3N2, and 24 (3.6%) were H1N1 subtypes. In this study most cases with positive results were less than 20 years. The sample positive included 49% males and 51% females. The peak seasonal influenza was between October and December 2009.,Conclusions: This finding showed that the predominant subtype of influenza virus among patients is A/H3N2, followed by A/H1N1 and B in Khuzestan province during the 2009-2010.,Background: Influenza A and B viruses are the major causative agents of human respiratory infections, and these viruses are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity around the world.,Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of influenza among suspected patients with influenza-like syndrome by RT- PCR assay in Khuzestan province of Iran duriSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430L- Tryptophan Production by Whole Cells of Escherichia coli Based on Iranian Sugar Beet Molasseshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5370Conclusions: our present study shows that sugar beet molasses is a source of PLP and L-Ser; and hence, suggests the general application of the approach to produce L-Trp more economically.,Results: Consequently, the potassium phosphate buffer system was considered as the suitably buffered reaction medium. The concentration of L-Trp produced in reaction medium was 0.3 mM and 0.12 mM for glucose and molasses (a combination of sugar beet and cane molasses), respectively.,Materials and Methods: E. coli (ATCC 11303) was used as the microbial source of tryptophan. Batch fermentation was performed with 8L sugar beet molasses medium. The fermentation was carried out at 37 °C with an agitation speed at 250 rpm. The pH was controlled at 7 with 10 N NaOH. The cells were recovered by centrifugation. A 1g mass of E. coli cells (wet mass) was used as the biocatalyst in the reaction medium (100 cc) containing (in grams/100cc): Molasses/glucose=3.5; Indole=0.2; L-Serine=0.35; PLP=0.005; (NH4)2SO4 =0.5. The rSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Immunostimulatory Effects of Aqueous Extract of Heracleum persicum Desf. on Mouse Peritoneal Macrophageshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5373Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of the aqueous extract of Heracleum persicum on mouse peritoneal macrophages.,Background: The immune system provides protection against infectious diseases that are caused by various microorganisms, in particular pathogenic fungi. Utilization of herbal immunostimulants is one solution to improve the immunity of humans and to decrease their susceptibility to infectious diseases.,Materials and Methods: The present in vitro study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of H. perscium on the viability of macrophages and nitric oxide (NO) production using microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Griess method, respectively. The effects on fungicidal activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of stimulated peritoneal macrophages were also studied using killing method and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay, respectively.,Results: The aqueous extract of H. persicum (Hp-W) at concentratioSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Molecular Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus, coa and spa Genes in Ahvaz Hospitals, Staff Nose Compared With Patients Clinical Sampleshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5377Conclusion:: The outcome of this study show that spa and coa typing are suitable meth­ods for MRSA isolates typing because it is easy to use and interpret them, and that these methods can be useful in infection source detection and its control especially in epidemic situations.,Result:: PCR results showed seven different patterns for staff and five different patterns for patients based on spa gene, and for coa gene five and six different patterns respectively. In addition, the prevalence of MRSA was 52.5 in staff and 83.7 in patients' specimens. Comparison of genetic diversity of spa, and coa genes in Ahvaz university hospitals doesn’t show significant difference (Chi-square and fisher's exact test).,Materials and Methods: In the current study, 157 clinical specimens were collected from patients who were treated at the Ahvaz medical university hospitals including 79 specimens (50.3%) from Sina hospital, 34 specimens (21.7%) from Imam Khomeini hospital, and 44 specimens (28%) from Golestan hospital and 157 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Isolation of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) From Raw Milk in Kermanshah by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5439Background: Infectious diarrhoeal diseases cause major problems throughout the world and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) may cause infantile diarrhoea among children in developing countries.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of EPEC strains in raw milk samples.,Materials and Methods: Raw milk samples collected from various cow farms in Kermanshah, Iran, during the period of 22nd June to 22nd September 2009 and were examined for EPEC presence using PCR reactions targeting eaeA, and then stx1 and stx2.,Results: Of the 206 samples, 17 (8.25%) were contaminated with E. coli eaeA positive and stx1 and stx2 negative (EPEC).,Conclusions: Our results confirm that raw milk recovered in Kermanshah may be a source for gastrointestinal infections by EPEC and strict preventive measures should be adopted to decrease contamination of milk with EPEC and other bacteria originated from animals.Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Mycoflora of Fungal Contamination in Wheat Storage (Silos) in Golestan Province, North of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6334Background: Cereal products are susceptible to mould damage during pre- and post-harvesting stages of the production. The regional specificity of Golestan province in the northern region of of Iran, with its high temperature and high relative humidity, acts as a leading factor for the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi. It is well known that contamination of starch-based ingredients with mycotoxigenic fungi is a risk factor among the consumers due to its aflatoxins.,Objectives: This survey was carried out to determine the extent of fungal contamination of wheat in three silos of Golestan province in Iran.,Materials and Methods: 34 samples from three active silos were collected in order to clean the polyethylene bags. Wheat analyzed for fungal contamination and aflatoxins extracted by immunoaffinity column chromatography, and measured by HPLC method.,Results: The most common moulds isolated were Alternaria spp. 26.7%, Aspergillus niger 21.4%, Fusarium spp. 17Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Hepatitis C Virus Subtype 6a Infection in an Iranian Patient: A Case Reporthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6560: The patient was infected with HCV subtype 6a. Prior to this case, there have been no previous reports on the isolation of this genotype/subtype from any other Iranian patient. Previous epidemiological studies provide valuable information about the distribution patterns of different HCV genotypes. However, infection with genotypes other than common ones should be flagged by specialists and diagnostic laboratories, especially in patients with high-risk behavioral backgrounds.,: The case was a 62-year-old man with positive anti-HCV antibody. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were 14 and 32 IU/L respectively. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma. HCV RNA level was determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Following the synthesis of the complementary DNA, 5’-UTR/core region of the HCV genome was amplified and subjected to direct sequencing. Genetic distances were estimated and phylogenetic tree was constructed. HCV viral load was 9,572,718 IU/Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Epidemiological Surveillance of Norovirus Diarrhea in Hospitalized Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in South of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7866Conclusions: Regarding the emergence of noroviruses as a relevant cause of acute diarrhea in Iranian children, there is a great need to introduce a routine norovirus testing of hospitalized patients with gastroenteritis, particularly in children under 2 years old during the cold season.,Results: Of the total collected samples, noroviruses were detected in 47 out of 375 (12.53%). The highest infection rate was among children under two years of age (76.6%) (P = 0.001). Diarrhea (95.74%), vomiting (87.23%) and fever (82.98%) were the most frequently reported clinical symptoms in children with norovirus gastroenteritis. The highest prevalence of the virus was observed in autumn (63.83%) and the lowest in summer (6.38%) (P = 0.015).,Patients and Methods: Between 2008 and 2010, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 375 stool samples from children under 7 years of age, who suffered from acute gastroenteritis and who were admitted to the Pediatrics Unit of the 17 Shahrivar Hospital in the city of BorazSat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0430Helicobacter pylori’s Evasion of the Immune System Could Establish an Inflammatory Environment That Potentially Induces the Development of Coronary Artery Diseasehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5038Background: Helicobacter pylori is responsible for one of the most common human infections and is a major risk factor for stomach ulcer disease and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection has been reported to be associated with generation and development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, diabetic patients positive for H. pylori infection showed a higher prevalence of CAD compared to H. pylori-negative patients. The main association between H. pylori infection and CAD seems to be generation of chronic low-grade inflammation.,Objectives: The current study aimed toinvestigate H. pylori’s capability to induce low-grade inflammation in the host; therefore H. pylori was compared to E. coli in its ability to activate neutrophils. Furthermore, H. pylori’s capability to induce apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied.,Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood neutrophils were treated with bacterial cells and the expression of the integrin CD11b that is critical fWed, 01 May 2013 04:30:00 +0430Comparison of Shedding, and Antibiotic Resistance Properties of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated From Milk, Feces, Urine, and Vaginal Secretion of Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, Buffalo, and Camel Species in Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6616Conclusions: Shedding of L. monocytogenes in different animal species, and different samples are different. Due to antibiotic resistance, especially in L. monocytogenes, veterinarians should pay more attention to prescribe antibiotics. We recommend using the real-time PCR for safe, sensitive, and rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in clinical samples, and using the disk diffusion methods to prescribe suitable antibiotics.,Results: The culture method showed that 186 of 2180 samples (8.53%) had positive results for L monocytogenes. In total,61 (10.23%) milk, 40 (6.46%) feces, 43 (9.7%) vaginal swab, and 48 (9.19%) urine samples had positive results for L monocytogenes using conventional PCR. After the Light Cycler real-time PCR it was recognized that 69 (11.57%) milk, 48 (7.75%) feces, 53 (11.96%) vaginal swab and 57 (10.91%) urine samples hadpositive results for the presence of L. monocytogenes. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional and real-time PCR were 94% and 99.1%, and 100% andWed, 01 May 2013 04:30:00 +0430Contamination of Household Refrigerators by Listeria Species in Ahvaz, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3543Background: Listeria monocytogenes has been isolated from various foods and environments in temperate areas, tropical countries and different parts of Iran. The bacterium as a psychrotrophic organism is capable of growth at refrigeration temperatures.,Objective: The current study was conducted to determine the incidence of Listeria spp. on the surfaces of domestic refrigerators in Ahvaz city as a tropic area, to provide insights in to true burden of, and the risks posed by the bacterium in domestic refrigeration systems.,Materials and Methods: During December 2009 – June 2010, 180 refrigerators located at student accommodations and private homes in Ahvaz, were sampled for the presence of Listeria spp. The temperature of each refrigerator was measured and owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding the method of cleaning. All samples were tested by culture in Listeria enrichment broth (LEB), Oxford agar and PALCAM agar using standard methods. Suspected colonies were identified by biochemical testWed, 01 May 2013 01:00:00 +0430Combined Application of Microbial Cellulose and Papaver macrostomum Extract on Bedsore Microorganismshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4807Background: Bedsore is one of the major problems in all the societies as patients are confined to bed. Due to antibiotic resistant strains being a significant obstacle for cure, many plants and herbs are being used by researchers as medicinal compounds.,Objectives: The investigation of synergistic effect of cellulose biopolymer and Papaver macrostomum extract on bedsores bacterial community.,Materials and Methods: Acetobacter xylinum PTTC 1734 was cultured in Schramm-Hestrin (SH) medium and incubated at 30°C for 24-48 hours. NaOH treatment and absolute ethanol were used to extract cellulose biopolymer and plant antimicrobial substance, respectively. The Biopolymer structure was scanned by a Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Antimicrobial activities, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these extracts were all determined separately. The effective concentration of each extract's alone, combined, and synergistic effects were Wed, 01 May 2013 01:00:00 +0430Antibacterial Activities of Nonionic and Anionic Surfactants From Citrullus lanatus Seed Oilhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=2553Conclusions: The biosurfactants inhibited the growth of organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli with diethanolamide biosurfactant exhibiting better antibacterial activity than sulphated diethanolamide.,Results: The iodine and saponification values of Citrullus lanatus oil were 118.50 &#177; 0.80 g iodine/100g and 199.10 &#177; 2.40 mgKOH/g respectively. Linoleic acid (56.9 %) was reported to be the most abundant fatty acid in Citrullus lanatus oil.,Background: Analysis and applications of lesser known underutilized seed oils are important, since there is little or no information on their composition and uses, most of them are discarded as waste every year.,Materials and Methods: Diethanolamide biosurfactant was produced from the oil via transamidation reaction using sodium methoxide as catalyst while the diethanolamide was sulphated using chloWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Common Bacteria in Hospital Surfaceshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4585Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles had appropriate effects in all three types of dilutions and allowing for a more protracted contact time has given significantly better results.,Patients and Methods: We have selected nine patients' metal file covers and following sterilizing, we have infected them with one of these bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Then, the infected surfaces have been disinfected with different dilutions of silver nanoparticles. Sampling and culturing has done following four specific intervals. Afterwards, the colonies that developed have been counted and compared.,Results: All of the three dilutions of silver nanoparticles could bring the colony count out of 7.5x106 to less than 100 which indicate more than a 99 percent reduction. No remarkable difference of the three dilutions of disinfectants was observed in reducing the colony count in 5,15, 30 and 60 minute disinfection intervals (P value &gt; 0Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Emergence of Tigecycline Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii From an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4710Conclusions: It is clear that new antimicrobials are needed to treat MDR A. baumannii. Polymyxins and tigecycline are among the fewrnantibiotics available to treat infections with these bacteria but little was known about the antimicrobial activity of these agents. ThernPresent study provided valuable information about the effects of the above mentioned drugs that can be used for health policy. Itrnshould be noted that there is a need for regular surveillance of bacterial resistance to these antimicrobial agents.,Results: A. baumannii (blaOXA-51-like gene) was detected in 84 (92.30%) isolates.Resistance rates in A. baumannii, were found to bernfor Imipenem 50 (59.52%), Gentamicin 65 (77.38%), Ciprofloxacin 81 (96.42%), Amikacin 44 (52.38%), Cefotaxime 81 (96.42%), Cefepimern69 (82.14%), Ceftazidim 81 (96.42%), Meropenem 74 (88.09%), Trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole 78 (92.85%), Aztreonam 82 (97.61%),rnColistin and Polymyxin-B 0%. No interpretive criteria have Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Effect of UV-A and Various Visible Light Wavelengths Radiations on Expression Level of Escherichia coli Oxidative Enzymes in Seawaterhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4917Results: It was found that in all studied wavelengths with or without Methylene Blue (MB), the level of all studied enzymes decreased remarkably when compared to dark controls. It was observed that the synthesis level of SOD, glutathione peroxidase GP, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase G-6-PD in E. coli decreased significantly in red light with respect to white, blue, and green light in seawater, to which methylene blue was added. In E. coli the decrease was 13% of G-6-PD expression, 10% of GP expression, and 17% of SOD expression in red light with MB after 16-hour incubation in seawater; however, these enzymes decreased to 45%, 84%,and 71% in white light, 33%, 47%, and 54% in blue light, 53%, 53%,and 64% in green light at the same incubation hours, respectively. Also, the enzyme acitivity in red light without MB did not show a significant difference when compared to other light sources.,Conclusions: It was shown in the present study that red light among visible light sources has a crucial effect in decreWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Using Rice Flour for Purification of Maltose Binding Fusion Proteins Expressed in Escherichia colihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4926Background: One disadvantage of expressing heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli is that the proteins are frequently expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies. To avoid this problem, heterologous proteins are typically expressed as a fusion protein. Maltose binding protein (MBP) is one of the widely used partners for production of recombinant fusion proteins in E. coli. MBP is among the most effective solubility enhancers. In addition, MBP can be used as an affinity tag for purification of recombinant proteins on a column of amylose resin.,Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of rice flour, a natural source of amylose, for purification of MBP fusion proteins.,Materials and Methods: MBP and a fusion protein of MBP and avian influenza virus nucleoprotein (MBP-NP) were expressed in E. coli and subjected to purification by rice flour and a commercial amylose resin. The purified proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE.,Results: The resultsWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Iranian Patients With Lung Cancerhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4993Conclusions: Results of the current study showed the high prevalence of M. tuberculosis among the patients with lung cancer; therefore, it seems that continuous surveillance is essential to monitor the M. tuberculosis in the patients with lung cancer.,Results: The subjects included 252 (66.3%) males and 128 (33.7%) females. Based on cultural and microscopic methods, M. tuberculosis infection was observed in twenty six (6.8%) of cases.,Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of M. tuberculosis in patients with lung cancer.,Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on samples collected from 380 patients with lung cancer who referred to two state-run hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. Microscopic and cultural methods were utilized to assess the presence of M. tuberculosis in the patients` specimens.,Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis has the ability to invade type II alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, the associations between invasion Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Chronic Psychiatric Patients in Sina Hospital Shahre-Kord, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5092Background: Although the number of infectious diseases has sharply decreased in last few decades, parasitic diseases persist in developing countries. On the other hand, chronic psychiatric patients tend to have low self-control, poor personal hygiene, long term institutionalization and extremely low self-care should be monitored for parasitic diseases since psychosocial conditions can contribute to an affinity for infectious diseases.,Objectives: The aim of study was to investigate intestinal parasites in chronic psychiatric patients.,Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all chronic psychiatric patients from Sina Hospital of Shahre-Kord University of Medical Sciences were recruited from April to November 2010. From each patient, 3 stool samples were collected every other day. Samples were transferred to Department of Parasitology of Faculty of Medicine and were examined by wet direct smear, Ziehl-Neelsen and Rayan blue trichrome stains. Direct smear was examined microscopically by performing aWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Toluene-Degrading Bacterium Exhibiting Potential Application in Bioremediationhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5142Background: Toluene is a cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon which is widely used as an industrial feedstock and as a solvent. It is one of the major parts of pollution in oil-contaminated environments.,Objectives: The main aim of this study was to isolate and characterize a bacterium with high potential application in toluene bioremediation.,Materials and Methods: To isolate a toluene-degrading bacterium, several seawater and wastewater samples were added to toluene-containing basal salt media (BSM). The isolate was identified by morphological features, biochemical tests, and molecular characterization. Also, physiological characteristics of the isolated strain were determined.,Results: The isolate represented the capability of growing on toluene under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Moreover, this bacterium could also use different toxic compounds as the sole sources of carbon and energy. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA showed that the isolated strain was closely related to Uncultured bacterium clone A1-E3_M13Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430The Prevalence of Brucellosis in Adults in Northeastern Region of Turkeyhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5147Conclusions: We hope that Turkey will be one of the brucellosis-free countries in near future with highlights from the current and further studies.,Materials and Methods: Seroprevalence of brucellosis was examined in sera of 2913 patients who referred to Igdır State Hospital between February and December of the year 2010 by Standard Tube Agglutination Test method.,Results: Results were statistically evaluated using chi-square trend analysis method. Significantly high level (1/40 dilution) of specific antibodies were detected in 525 (18 %) patient sera (P = 0.111).,Background: Brucellosis is prevalent in the Mediterranean basin, the Indian subcontinent, the Arabian peninsula, and in parts of Central Asia, Africa, Central and South America. However it continues to be one of the major health problems in developing countries, including Turkey.,Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the incidence of brucellosis, which is previewed to be very common in the northeastern region of Turkey, in order to emphaWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Chronic Infected Injecting Drug Users in Tehran, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5191Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of infection that has the potential to cause chronic liver disease. Injecting drug users (IDUs) have a key role in HCV transmission in Iran. Knowledge of the distribution of various genotypes is essential for successful future research and control strategies.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify HCV genotypes among chronic infected injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tehran, Iran.,Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study, we investigated HCV genotypes among 36 plasma samples from HCV infected IDUs (35 male and 1female, mean age: 33.67, and age range 20-62 years), referred to Research Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization(IBTO) in Tehran from December 2008 to March 2009.HCV Genotyping was performed using type-specific primers.,Results: Genotypes 3a, 1a and 1b were found in 58.3 %, 25% and 16.7 % patients, respectively.,Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the high prevalence of genotype 3a among injecting drug users, which is alWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Toxoplasma Infection in Farm Animals: A Seroepidemiological Survey in Fars Province, South of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5195Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite which infects animals and human. Infections with this zoonotic parasite are acquired mostly by consumption of undercooked or raw meat, which contains tissue cysts.,Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in farm animals in southern Iran.,Materials and Methods: Sera were obtained from 346 farm animals including 80 cows, 33 dogs, 35 horses, 95 sheep, 90 goats, 9 turkeys and 4 geese and evaluated by Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Toxoplasma antibodies.,Results: Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in sera of 121 out of 346 (34.9%) animals. The highest rate of infection (55%) was found in the cattle, followed by dogs (51.5%), horses (40%), sheep (29.5%), goats (18.8%) and turkeys (11.1%). No antibody was detected in any sera of 4 geese. Most of animals (86%) had antibody titer of 1:20. Males consisted 34.3% and females 40% of seropositive animals but the difference was not statisWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Evaluation of the Pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa's Flagellum Before and After Flagellar Gene Knockdown by Small Interfering RNAs (siRNA)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5401Conclusions: The development of delivery systems into bacteria with an efficacy compatible to that in human use could be a key for the potential utility of siRNA for the prophylaxis and treatment of P. aeruginosa-induced hematogenous pulmonary infections in humans.,Results: In quantitative RT–PCR,it was shown that the siRNA significantly inhibited the expression of the flagella mRNA. FilC gene knockdown by the siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of the flagellar mRNA in the siRNA group as compared with that of the control (P &lt; 0.05). In the motility test,the motility was inhibited in the siRNA group more effectively than in the control group. In the murine infection model, a significant decrease in the number of viable bacteria was detected in the siRNA group when compared with the control (7.87 ± 0.54 in the former versus 4.69 ± 0.35 log cfu/mL in the latter mean ± SD, P &lt; 0.05).,Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses a polar flagellum made up of flagellar subunits, whWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Genotype Analysis of Giardia lamblia Isolated From Children in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6443Background: Giardia lamblia is an enteric protozoan parasite, which infects human and a wide range of vertebrate hosts.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate genotypes of G. lamblia from children fecal samples in Ahvaz, South West of Iran by PCR-RFLP method.,Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 58 children who were positive for G. lamblia. DNA extractions were performed by QIAamp Stool Mini Kit. DNA were evaluated by semi nested PCR-RFLP assay, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene, which was used to distinguish within and between genotypes A and B.,Results: Fifty samples (86%) were confirmed by semi-nested PCR. Genotype analysis among 50 isolates indicated 5 (10%) and 8 (16%) assemblages AII and B, respectively. Mixed Infections with both assemblages AII and B were also detected in 37 (74%) cases.,Conclusions: Current study indicated the molecular characterization of G. lamblia in southwest of Iran. Postulated sources of contamination by accidental discharge of sWed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Bacteremia Due to Actinomyces naeslundii in a T cell Lymphoma Child; a Case Reporthttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6733: We report a case of A. naeslundii bacteremia in an 11 year-old boy with persistent fever for two weeks prior hospital admission. He was finally diagnosed with malignant T cell lymphoma. Isolation of this bacterium from the blood culture of our patient can serve as an important warning indicating that incuriosity about fastidious and not easily grown bacteria isolated from clinical samples may lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis.,: Actinomyces naeslundii is one of the normal flora of human oral cavities and is associated with oral plaque. This organism is not virulent and is recognized as a saprophyte organism however it seems that the identification of a primary or secondary immunosuppressant plays a critical role in the etiology of bacteremia. That is, whether A. naeslundii is the causative agent of malignancy or not needs further studies in future.Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0430Assessment of Carbapenem Susceptibility and Multidrug-Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Burn Isolates in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5036Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen which causes severe, acute and chronic nosocomial infections. These infections are difficult to eradicate since the organisms are usually multidrug-resistant. Carbapenems are considered as the most effective drugs against these isolates. However, recent emergence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa has become a major healthcare problem.,Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa burn isolates to 13 antibiotics including imipemen and meropenem.,Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty three P. aeruginosa burn isolates were collected from Shahid Motahari Burn Hospital between July and December 2011. The majority of the isolates were from wounds (88.7%), followed by 5.26% from blood, 4.15% from subclavian catheters and 1.5% from urine. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles were studied by the agar disc diffusion.,ReTue, 05 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection evaluated by Stool antigen test in Khuzestan Province since September to October 2009, south-west of Iran: a population based studyhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4545Background: Although infection with Helicobacter pylori is a global health problem, its prevalence is different among countries. Serologic tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection are limited by low accuracy rates and lack of validation. Recent studies indicate that the stool antigen test has an acceptable level of accuracy.,Objectives: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Khuzestan province, south-west of Iran by stool antigen test and to evaluate possible risk factors for the H. pylori infection.,Patients and Methods: In this study, from September to October 2009, 861 healthy individuals aged 0-80 years were sampled by cluster sampling from 4.5 million inhabitants of the province. Infection with H. pylori was evaluated by detection of H. pylori antigens in stool (HpSA). Epidemiologic data of each subject were determined by filling up a questionnaire.,Results: The oSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Cloning and Expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Major Secreted Protein Antigen 85B (Ag85B) in Escherichia colihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4701Background: The 30 kDa major secretory protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (antigen 85B) is a primary vaccine candidate. This secreted antigen induces a protective immune response and stimulates the production of IFN-γ in animal models.,Objectives: The aim of this study was cloning and expression of Ag 85B of M. tuberculosis in Escherichia coli.,Materials and Methods: To produce recombinant Ag85B, the fbpB gene was amplified by PCR method. Then inserted into the pET101/D vector and transported into E. coli strain TOPO10. Plasmid containing pET101/D: Ag85B was transformed into competence E.coli BL21 (DE3). The transformed E.coli strain BL21 was effectively expressed recombinant Ag85B.,Results: The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the insoluble form. Followed by sonication to disrupt the cells, Solution of the cell debris was centrifuged and after use ofSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Assessment of Chloroplast Expression Factors in Escherichia colihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4704Background: Genetic manipulation of chloroplast in higher plants offers a number of unique prerogatives, including; undesirable of pleiotropic genome and gene silencing effects and also use as an important agronomic trait for producing essential biomaterials and industrial enzymes. In order to manipulate chloroplast genome, specific vectors are required. These vectors can be transformed and expressed in Escherichia coli due to the same evolutionary origin of bacteria and chloroplasts.,Objectives: The aim of the present study was to construct chloroplast vector specified for spinach and assessing the chloroplast regulatory elements in a prokaryotic expression host, E. coli.,Materials and Methods: Flanking sequences (INSL+INSR) were isolated by PCR from the spinach chloroplast genome and blunt-end ligated into the PvuII site of pUC19 vector to form an intermediate vector, pUCINS. Then the selectable marker cassette (including aadA gene, Prrn prSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Bio-Deterioration of Library Materials: Study of Fungi Threatening Printed Materials of Libraries in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4751Background: The importance of preserving and maintaining printed materials is crucial for the libraries. Fungi play the main role in destroying wood and paper.,Objectives: This research aimed to study and identify threatening fungal agents of library resources in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.,Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive analytical study. 126 samples were collected and examined for the presence of fungi. An open plate method was used to scan airborne fungal contents and triplicate samples were collected at four different locations in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. The fungal culture media were incubated at 25-30 ºC until growth appeared and then the fungi colonies were identified by routine mycological laboratory methods.,Results: 1265 colonies of fungi belonging to 26 genera were identified in the air and different surfaces of books (references and circulation departments) and also surfaces of shelves in libraries. Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp. and ASat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Methicillin Resistant and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Tehran, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4896Background: Staphylococcus aureus is associated with different infections ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to endocarditis and fatal pneumonia. S. aureus is still the most common bacterial species isolated from inpatient specimens and the second most common from outpatient specimens. Today, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates are present in the hospitals of most countries and are often resistant to several antibiotics.,Objectives: This study was conducted from 2007 to 2011 to detect prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns among MRSA and methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolated from hospitals in Tehran, Iran.,Materials and Methods: Totally 726 isolates of S. aureus were collected from three referral hospitals in Tehran. All isolates were identified at the species level by standard biochemical tests. Susceptibility to eighteen antibiotics was determined by disc diffusion method. Then oxacillin and vancomycinSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330A Population-Based Study of Bacterial Spectrum in Febrile Neutropenic Patientshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4941Background: Because of great concerns about mortality and morbidity of infection in febrile neutropenic patients, the appropriate empirical antibiotic should be started immediately. Although there are established guidelines for the use of empirical therapy, local microbiological pattern and antibiotic susceptibility should be considered.,Objectives: The current study aimed to identify the etiological pathogens in febrile neutropenic cancer patients in Isfahan, Iran.,Patients and Methods: This single-centre population-based study was conducted on 81 febrile neutropenic patients referring to Sayed-Al-Shohada hospital, the only referral malignant care center in Isfahan, Iran. Demographic data, duration and kind of malignancy, duration from last chemotherapy, duration of fever, and also physical exam were recorded for each patient. Moreover, procalcitonin, CRP, ESR, white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelet, and absolute neutrophil count were measured. BACTEC and E-test were used for blood culturing and determiningSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Relative Frequency of Echovirus 30 in Patients Suffering From Enterovirus Meningitis in Ahvazhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4972Background: Human enteroviruses are members of Picornaviridae family; they are non-enveloped, icosahedral viruses with positive RNA as genome. Echovirus 30 is an important member of enteroviruses that is recognized in outbreaks of enterovirus meningitis.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine relative frequency of echovirus 30 as an important agent of aseptic meningitis among children referred to Aboozar hospital, Ahvaz, Iran.,Patients and Methods: 34 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with enterovirus aseptic meningitis, negative bacterial culture, WBC (white blood cell) count &gt; 5x106/mm3, and aseptic meningitis symptoms were entered in the study. These samples were collected in a year between May 2010 and May 2011. RNA of enteroviruses were extracted and investigated for echovirus 30 infection with RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test. Samples also were cultured in RD (rhabdomyosarcoma) cell and positive results were approved by RT-PCR test with enterovirus speSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Assessment of Carbapenem Susceptibility and Multidrug-Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Burn Isolates in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5036Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen which causes severe, acute and chronic nosocomial infections. These infections are difficult to eradicate since the organisms are usually multidrug-resistant. Carbapenems are considered as the most effective drugs against these isolates. However, recent emergence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa has become a major healthcare problem.,Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa burn isolates to 13 antibiotics including imipemen and meropenem.,Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty three P. aeruginosa burn isolates were collected from Shahid Motahari Burn Hospital between July and December 2011. The majority of the isolates were from wounds (88.7%), followed by 5.26% from blood, 4.15% from subclavian catheters and 1.5% from urine. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles were studied by the agar disc diffusion.,ReSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Antimicrobial Activity of Heterotrophic Bacterial Strains of Marine Originhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5039Background: Bacterium-bacterium antagonistic interactions could be important in the ecology of marine bacteria. Antimicrobial properties of microorganisms are exploited in various fields of human activities.,Objectives: Antagonism of heterotrophic bacteria from different marine environments of tropical and temperate zones was examined.,Materials and Methods: Bacteria were isolated from biofilm samples, tissues of hydrobionts and sea water. Isolates were characterized by phenotypic and 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses. Agar diffusion assay was applied to investigate inhibitory interactions. 5 type strains and 21 strains of marine origin were used as test cultures.,Results: 68.97% of isolates from temperate zone and 56.76% of tropical zone showed antimicrobial activity. The most active strains belonged to genera Pseudomonas and Pseudoalteromonas.,Conclusions: Bacterial interspecies growth inhibition is widely distributed in marine environments. Marine bacteria, especially Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Prevalence of AmpC and SHV β-Lactamases in Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli From Tehran Hospitals http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5043Background: Beta-lactam resistance in gram-negative bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, is a main clinical problem. It is often caused by the co-production of β-lactamases, particularly extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC enzymes. It may lead to a problem for diagnosis via recommended phenotypic tests by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Conversely, β-lactamase genes have several subfamilies; therefore, using designed primers with high ability could be valuable to detect all of them.,Objectives: This investigation focused on evaluating the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases using disk diffusion method and confirmatory test (Combined Disk), as well as PCR for complete detection of these genes (SHV- and AmpC (CITM, FOX)- type β-lactamase genes).,Materials and Methods: 500 clinical samples were collected from different hospitals of Tehran, Iran and 200 E. coli isolates were detected by standard biochemical tests such as IMVIC. Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter-Derived Cephalosporinase and OXAsetC Genes in Clinical Specimens of Acinetobacter spp. Isolated From Teaching Hospitalhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5059Background: Hospital-acquired infections caused by multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter spp. are often extremely difficult to treatand this has proved to be a serious problem worldwide. ,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rates and distribution patterns of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp. strains and the occurrence of Acinetobacter-derived cephalosporinase (ADC-7) and OXA-type carbapenemases (OXAsetC genes) in clinical specimens in the Beheshti Teaching Hospital in Kashan, Iran.,Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on sixty isolates of Acinetobacter spp. and clinical samples collected from patients. The level of antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method and the results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) procedure. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the genetic determinants of resistance was also determined.,Results: The resistance rates were; amikacin (80%),Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Airborne Microfungi in Indoor and Outdoor Hospital Environments in Khorramabad, Southwest Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5074Background: Nosocomial fungal infections could arise from independent exposure to airborne spores of filamentous fungi existing in the hospital environment.,Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the mycoflora of indoor and outdoor environments of five major hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran. ,Materials and Methods: Sampling of air was done from indoor and outdoor environments of wards, surroundings and green space of hospitals by settle plate method. To obtain the sample from surfaces, pre-moistened swabs with cotton-tipped sticks were applied on different surfaces (floor, the walls, windows, beds, trolleys, laryngoscope and angiography devices). Culture plates of air and surfaces on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) were incubated in the dark at 28 ºC and examined daily for fungal colonies for two to three weeks. Fungal isolates were identified by a combination of their macroscopic and microscopic criteria after purification on isolation culture media.,Results: A total of 707 fuSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Seroprevalence of HIV in Newly Detected Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Khuzestan, Iran: Should HIV Testing Be Included in National Tuberculosis Program in This Region?http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5222Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing strategy for tuberculosis (TB) patients in some high HIV incidence countries has been recommended based on interaction between HIV and TB.,Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection among newly detected pulmonary TB patients.,Patients and Methods: In a cross sectional study,104 cases including 95 non injecting drug users (IDU) and nine IDU, from 2009 to 2011 in Ahvaz capital of Khuzestan province in the south west of Iran, underwent HIV testing as early as being diagnosed as pulmonary TB. Inclusion criteria for HIV positivity was two EIA-HIV positive tests and confirmatory western blots. SPSS-16 software was employed to analyze data, including demographical characteristics, epidemiological and laboratory findings.,Results: Overall HIV prevalence among pulmonary TB patients was 7.6%. Comparing HIV prevalence between non IDU pulmonary TB and IDU pulmonary TB showed that IDU cases were significantly at the risk of HIV inSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:00 +0330Comparison of Phenotypic Tests and PCR to Detect Candida Albicans From Vaginal Specimens (Tabriz, 2009-2010)http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4734Results: 162 yeast species from 250 specimens were isolated in Sabroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) Medium. 106 (65.4%) of them were germ tube formation positive, 86 (53%) chlamydoconidium formation positive and 101(62.4%) were PCR positive. Yeast cells and mycelia were detected in the isolates on direct microscopic examination. C. albicans accounted for 66.04% of cases and 34% were non-C. albicans species.,Patients and Methods: In this study, 250 vaginal specimens were collected from women in Tabriz, East-Azerbaijan province, Iran during 2009-2010. Samples were examined to identify C. albicans by germ-tube test, chlamydoconidium formation test, preparation of wet smear using potassium hydroxide, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).,Objectives: The current study aimed to detect frequency of yeasts mainly C. albicans in vaginal specimens of women from Tabriz, Iran. For the above purpose, the sensitivity and specifity of traditional laboratory assays were compared with Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0330Molecular Cloning and Expression of the Leishmania infantum KMP-11 Genehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4798Conclusions: The results of the present study will increase our knowledge about molecular cloning and expression of the L. infantum KMP-11 gene, and this may be used as an effective target for controlling visceral leishmaniasis.,Results: The KMP-11 gene was successfully subcloned in pcDNA3 as a eukaryotic expression vector. Recombinant KMP-11 protein was confirmed by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.,Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from L. infantum (MHOM/TN/80/IPI1), and amplified by PCR and a specific primer. Afterwards the purified PCR products were successfully ligated into the pTZ57R/T plasmid vector. The pcDNA3 plasmid was used as an expression vector and the KMP-11 gene subcloned into this plasmid. The pTKMP-11 plasmid was digested by restriction enzymes to confirm cloning of this gene in the pTZ57R/T plasmid. In the last step, the subcloned gene was expressed in a eukaryotic cell.,Objectives: In the present study, the KMP-11 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0330Class 1 Integron in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates From Different Places and Devices of ICU in Babol, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4850Conclusions: The result of this study showed a high prevalence of class 1 integron gene in most P. aeruginosa strains isolated from different parts of the environment and equipment used in ICU. The role of these transferable genetic agents has been proven in the creation of resistance. So, the environmental bacteria represent a reservoir for dissemination of clinically relevant multidrug-resistant antibiotics and should be taken under control to reduce the appearance or distribution of these antibiotic resistant agents.,Results: Thirteen of 33 (39.4%) of P. aeruginosa had intl gene, among which 24.2% were characterized as multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDRPA) on the other hand, 15.2% showed intermediate or complete sensitivity . No significant differences were seen between the presence of integron gene and resistance to the antibiotics except for ofloxacin. Most resistance was observed in cefepime (100%) and the lowest to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (42.5Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0330Identification of a Bacterium Isolated from Soil of Ahvaz Contaminated by Oil and Determination of its Protease Stability in Organic Solventshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4575Conclusions: In this study, we isolated B. licheniformis producing an organic solvent-stable protease from oil-contaminated soil. The protease was stable and active in various organic solvents. By purification, the protease could be used as a biocatalyst for organic solvent-based enzymatic synthesis.,Results: According to 16SrDNA sequencing, strain ISA9 was identified as a new strain of Bacillus licheniformis. This strain was able to produce an extracellular organic solvent- tolerant protease. After 30 minutes incubation at 37 °C, caseinolytic activity of crude protease was increased in 25 and 50% of acetone, ethanol, benzene, cyclohexane, and hexane compared to non-solvent control. The enzyme was also activated 1.64, 1.23, and 1.17 times by 75% (v/v) of benzene, decane, and hexane, respectively. The protease was active in a broad range of pH (from 6 to 10) with the optimum pH 10. The optimum temperature for the activity of this protease was 70 °C and the enzyme remained active after incubaFri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0330Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella enterica Isolated From Pork, Chicken, and Vegetables in Southern Thailandhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4312Conclusions: These results show that retail meat and vegetables can serve as a reservoir of multiple antimicrobial resistant Salmonella and can probably be a potential route of transmission of these pathogens into human population.,Results: The prevalence of Salmonella in retail pork, chicken meat, and fresh vegetables were 82% (34/41), 67.5% (27/40), and 46% (37/80), respectively. The Salmonella isolated from pork, and vegetables were most resistant to tetracycline (77 and 33%) while the Salmonella isolated from chicken meat was most resistant to streptomycin (92%). Thirty-one samples (68%) isolated from pork and thirty-two samples (84%) isolated from chicken meat were of MDR strains. whereas only 7 samples (29%) isolated from vegetables exhibited resistance to two or more antimicrobial drugs.,Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella in meat and vegetable Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0330Assessment of Antibacterial Capability of Rhamnolipids Produced by Two Indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strainshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=2662Background: In recent decades, biological properties of biosurfactants, particularly glycolipids, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-cellular effects have been projected in many research studies. The unique advantages of these compounds in terms of production and environment made them important as antimicrobial agents.,Objectives: This study aims to evaluate probable antibacterial and antifungal properties of MR01 and MASH1 biosurfactants against several specified microorganisms.,Materials and Methods: In this article antibacterial activities of two rhamnolipid mixtures of MR01 and MASH1 were studied. MR01 and MASH1 are glycolipid-type biosurfactants that are being produced by two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MR01 and MASH1, respectively. Antibacterial effects of two biosurfactants were assessed by disc diffusion test method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).,Results: They exhibit not only excellent surface activity but also remarkable inhibitory effect against Gram-pThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Relative Frequency of Rotavirus and Adenovirus Among Children Aged 1-60 Months Hospitalized With Acute Diarrhoea in South-Western, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4072Background: More than three million children in developing countries die from acute diarrhea annually. Rotaviruses and Adenoviruses are from the most important etiologic factors in acute gastroenteritis of children.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rotavirus and adenovirus among children with acute diarrhoea admitted to Abuzar Hospital in Ahvaz (Southwest Iran).,Patients and Methods: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study over 1 year (September 2009 to August 2010), children who were admitted to Abuzar Hospital in Ahvaz with a diagnosis of acute diarrhoea were studied. Stools were examined with ELISA kits for detection of adenoviruses and rotaviruses.,Results: Of 180 children in our study, 104 were boys (57.8%) and 76 were girls (42.2%), with a mean age of 12.86 months (1–60 months). Sixty-three (35%) had rotavirus infections (mean age, 11.57 months), and 6 (3.3%) had adenovirus infections (mean age, 8.17 months). We examined the seasonal distribution and found that 12 Thu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330WITHDRAWN:A Study of The Genetic Variability of Blastocystis hominis Isolates in Hamadan, West of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4171Background: Blastocystis is a common protozoan parasite in mammals, birds, amphibians,reptiles, fish, arthropods, and annelids. This parasite has some subtypes, which pathogenicity status of them still remained controversial. Some of Blastocystis subtypes are potentially pathogenic to human.,Objectives: This study has identified the B. hominis subtypes and their prevalence rates in Hamadan.,Patients and Methods: During two months of summer 2011, a total number of 250 human fecal samples referred for parasitology examination to Beasat Hospital and a few clinical laboratories of Hamadan city were collected. The samples were examined by direct method and formalin-ether. 41 samples exhibited positive results for B. hominis thereby were cultured in Locke-egg medium. After the growth and in order to genotype identification, B. hominis isolates were amplified by PCR, using seven pairs of sequences-tagged site primers.,Results: In this study, three subtypes of B. hominis consisted of one [SB83], two [SB340] and threeThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Protein Profiles of Aspergillus Species Isolated From the Tea Gardens and Factories Air in Northern Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4250Background: Spoilage of tea (Camellia sinensis) is often accompanied by contamination and formation of mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by specific tea-borne fungi.,Objectives: The purposes of this study were to isolate Aspergillus flora in the air from tea gardens and factories in Gilan and Mazandaran provinces, in northern Iran, and to determine their protein patterns.,Materials and Methods: Air samples were collected from 11 tea gardens and 13 tea factories between 2006 and 2008, and cultured in specific fungal media. Mycelial mats and spores of the Aspergillus species were disrupted in liquid nitrogen containing glass beads. The crude extracts were separated from other cell components by centrifugation and sterilized using a filter. The extracts obtained were analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to separate the fungal antigenic proteins.,Results: A total of 4 157 fungal colonies were observed in the tea gardens air and 3 950 colonieThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Age Distribution and Seasonal Pattern of Rotavirus Infection in Children Under 5 Yearshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4626Background: Rotaviruses are the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in newborns and young children. The current study intended to investigate the presence of rotavirus antigen in fecal specimens of children with acute diarrhea, to determine its prevalence and to examine its distribution pattern by age, gender and season.,Objectives: This was a retrospective investigation of cases with rotavirus antigen-positive fecal specimens from children under 5 years referring to the emergency department with acute gastroenteritis between January 2008 and December 2010. Patient distribution patterns by season, month and age groups were recorded.,Patients and Methods: Rotavirus antigen was detected in 412 out of 1500 fecal specimens; 279 of these cases (66%) were male. The presence of rotavirus antigen in fecal specimens was investigated using the immunochromatographic test (VIKIA® Rota-Adeno, bioMérieux ® sa, Marcy-l’Etoile/France), following the manufacturer’s recommendations.,Results: Rotavirus positivity Thu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from candidura http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4633Background: Candiduria is one of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infections caused by several species of Candida spp. Several antifungals are available to treat such candidal infections. During the last decades, resistance to antifungal especially to non-albicans species has increased.,Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility to antifungal drugs of Candida species isolated from candiduria in Ahvaz.,Materials and Methods: Ninety three species of yeasts and yeast like organisms isolated from urine samples [Candida albicans (58), C. glabrata (25), C. tropicalis (4), C. krusei (1), unknown Candida species (4) and Geotrichum species (1)] were used for susceptibility tests. All species were re-identified based on standard mycological methods. Then a suspension of each isolate of overnight cultures was prepared in 1ml of sterile PBS and adjusted to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standards. In the present study several anThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Serotyping, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Detection of hlyA Gene Among Cholera Patients in Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4709Background: Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae, which produces a virulence factor named El Tor hemolysin encoded by the hlyA gene.,Objectives: This study meant to analyze the phenotypic characteristics and presence of hlyA gene in V. cholerae isolated from patients in Iran. The hlyA gene which codes for hemolysin, plays an essential role in manifestation of cholera ,and could be used to diagnose pathogenic V. cholerae El Tor O1 strains.,Patients and Methods: One hundred stool samples from the patients with cholera during 2002-2003 were collected from Tehran, Kashan, Kermanshah and Ahvaz cities, which were subject to diagnostic tests. Serotyping, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were applied and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also used to detect the hlyA gene.,Results: The group specific antisera identified the isolates as Ogawa, Inaba, Hikojima and NAG (Non-agglutinable) in 74%, 3%, 0% and 23% of the isolates, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that all ofThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Inhibition and Disruption Properties of Chlorhexidine Gluconate on Single and Multispecies Oral Biofilmshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4852Background: Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is the most common antimicrobial agent used against oral pathogens, however information on its ability to inhibit and disrupt anaerobic single and multispecies biofilms is relatively unknown.,Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of CHX for its biofilm inhibition and disruption properties using crystal violet assay.,Materials and Methods:: Biofilm assays were carried out on single and multispecies of four oral pathogens: Streptococcus (S.) mutans, Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum, Aggregatibacter (A.) actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis. ,Results: Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum and multi-species biofilm formation were inhibited in more than 90% of cases at concentrations of 3-12 mg/L. CHX exhibited strong disruptive activity (&gt; 65%) on one-day old biofilms of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.,Conclusions: In conclusion, CHX was a higThu, 01 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0330Studies on Drug Sensitivity and Bacterial Prevalence of UTI in Tribal Population of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, Indiahttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4756Conclusions: Females are more susceptible to UTI than males and the most effective drug (sensitive against isolated E. coli) is Amikacin. Therefore, culture and antimicrobial drug sensitivity testing are essential procedures for proper management of UTI in tribal population.,Patients and Methods: A total number of 4,416 urine samples of clinically suspected UTI attending outpatient department and hospitalized tribal patients of West Medinipur zone were collected. Urine samples were inoculated on Blood agar, MacConkey’s agar, and cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar and incubated at 37oC for 24 hr and extended up to 48 hr in cases of negative growth. Antibiotic susceptibility testing against the most common causative bacteria was also performed.,Results: A total number of 1,190 samples revealed positive bacterial growth. Seven types of dominant organisms were isolated as causative agents like Escherichia coli (63.44%), Klebsiella sp. (14.62%), Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0330The Prevalence of Bacteria Isolated From Endotracheal Tubes of Patients in Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, and Determination of Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patternshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4583Background: Nosocomial infections including infections of surgical wounds, urinary tract and lower respiratory tract infections are a major public health problem in hospitals worldwide. Bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract especially due to Gram negative bacilli, has remained a major complication of tracheal intubation in patients requiring ventilator equipments.,Objectives: The aim of present study was to determine the presence or absence of bacterial infections in tracheal tubes and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.,Materials and Methods: In this study, specimens were collected from tracheal tubes of patients with endotracheal aspiration. The specimens were microbiologically investigated and the isolated bacteria were identified by using standard cultural and biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was then performed on the isolates by disc diffusion method according to CLSI guideline.,Results: In total, 278 specimens had positive culture with 508 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Antibody Positive Orphan Newbornshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4229Background: The rate of mother-to-infant hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission is relatively low, however, this mode of infection is the most important route for childhood HCV involvement. The chances of transmission are increased by the level of maternal HCV viraemia and maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co infection.,Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of HCV infection in orphan newborns of infected mothers.,Patients and Methods: A total of 29, two to seven month old, orphan infants were included in the study. The tests performed consisted of the detection of; anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibodies, HCV RNA in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and finally the detection of HCV core antigens (HCV core Ag).,Results: Anti-HCV antibodies were detectable in all of the infants. However HCV RNA was undetectable in both plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and there were also no anti-HIV 1/2 antWed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330The Prevalence of Fungi in Soil of Qazvin, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4591Backgrounds: Soil is the first habitat for pathogenic fungi and one of the important fungal reservoirs. The soil-borne fungi are major cause for different degrees of allergy or serious diseases in human beings.,Objectives: This current study aimed to determine the identities and diversity of the fungi associated with allergy, subcutaneous and even systemic fungal infections in an extensive region of Qazvin district Iran during 2008.,Materials and Methods: In this study, 150 soil samples were randomly collected from 25 locations of the city. The soil suspensions were prepared by sterile saline and then antibiotics of streptomycin and penicillin were added and a portion of supernatant was cultured on sabouraud’s dextrose agar culture medium containing chloramphenicol with and without cycloheximide and incubated at 35°C for 2-3 weeks. The fungal isolates were examined macroscopically and microscopically.,Results: Plates were tested to be positive for saprophytic fungi. Out of a total of 1563 fungi isolates, 1Wed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Prophage Typing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tehran, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4616Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of infections among humans and animals and it is known as a community-acquired and nosocomial pathogen. Most of the isolates contain lysogenic phages which are responsible for production of various virulence factors such as enterotoxins, staphylokinase, β-lysin, lipase, exfoliative toxin A and Pantone-vlaentine leukociden (PVL). All staphylococcus isolates are classified in 6 groups according to their sensitivity to 27 known lysogenic phages.,Objectives: This study was performed to detect the presence of bacteriophage types and determine antibiotic resistance pattern of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran from 2008 to 2010.,Materials and Methods: A total of 968 S. aureus isolates were collected from a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran and identified at the species level by PCR and biochemical tests. Susceptibility to 17 antibiotics was determined. Then oxacillin and vancomycin minimum iWed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Prevalence of HTLV-I Infection in Patients with Thalassemia Major in Mazandaran, North of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4702Background: Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is one of the health threatening problems in endemic areas and can be transmitted by different routes such as blood transfusion. In order to correct chronic anemia in thalassemia subjects, they may need to get blood units per month. Thus, they are at risk of infection with blood-borne viruses such as HTLV-I.,Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of HTLV-I infection among high risk patients with thalassemia in north of Iran, Mazandaran.,Patients and Methods: A total number of 288 thalassemia patients including 151 females (52.4%) and 137 males (47.6%) with mean age of 21.45 ± 6.6 years were tested for HTLV-I Ig G and Ig M antibodies against gag proteins by enzyme linked immuniosorbent assay (ELISA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was applied to confirm HTLV-I infection in DNA samples of antibody positive subjects.,Results: In the primary screening by ELISA, 20 out of 288 (6.9%) patients were positive for HTLV-I antibody. TWed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Strains Isolated From Urinary Tract Infections in Karaj, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4830Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial diseasesworldwidethat can be presented asymptomatic or symptomatic, characterized by a wide range of symptoms from mild irritative voiding to bacteremia, sepsis, or even death. In latter decades, widespread utilization of antibiotics has resulted in increased incidence of antibiotic resistance among urinary tract pathogens all over the world.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine patterns of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections in the city of Karaj, Iran.,Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the city of Karaj from November 2009 to August 2010. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antibacterial susceptibility test was performed by Kirby-Bauer method against some common antibiotics for Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria and the data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 12.0.1.,Results: In this study, 230 (8.06%)out of 2852 patWed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Concomitant Pulmonary Nocardiosis and Tuberculosis in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A New View Pointhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=5362A B S T R A C T: A few case reports of coinfections with Nocardia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) have previously been published in the literature. We report on a case of concomitant pulmonary nocardiosis and tuberculosis, in a recently diagnosed 55-year-old woman, with rheumatoid arthritis, who had been taking a short course of a low dose corticosteroid. The patient was treated with a combination of amikacin and imipenem, as well as a standard anti-TB regimen. Physiologic doses of corticosteroids might be a predisposing factor for opportunistic infections, such as nocardiosis or tuberculosis.Wed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Nocturnal Activity, Monthly Leptomonad Infection, Parity Rate and Physiological Status of Vectors of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Southeastern Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6322Background: Phlebotomus papatasi and P. salehi are reported as vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeast of Iran. Seasonal activity of these species is different in zoogeographical zones and must be known well for better management of the disease.,Objectives: To determine the nocturnal activity of sand flies and their leptomonad infection rates.,Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Chabahar county, where sand flies were collected using sticky-paper traps at 2 - hours intervals from rodent burrows during May to October. Females of Phlebotomus spp. were dissected for leptomonad infection.,Results: A total of 9367 sand flies from four species of Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera were collected. The most sand flies were collected in the first third of the night (7:00-11:00 PM), although there was seasonal variation in the nocturnal activity of different species. A total of 1132 female sand flies from two species of P. papatasi and P. salehi were dissected. Totally 2.1% of P. pWed, 24 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0330Isolation and Identification of Lactobacilli From Cheese, Yoghurt and Silage by 16S rDNA Gene and Study of Bacteriocin and Biosurfactant Productionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3444Conclusions: It was found that the isolated bacteria produced biosurfactants that had a great potential for different industries.,Results: The 3 isolates from cheese, yoghurt and silage were effective against isolated E.coli and could produce biosurfactants. Phylogenic relationships of the 3 potential candidates were determined comparing the 16Sr DNA gene sequences, they were found to be as 3 isolates of Lactobacillus buchneri, L.brevis and L.kefiri that were effective on the isolated E.coli from environment.,Materials and Methods: In this study, heterofermentative LAB were isolated from cheese, yoghurt and corn silage in Broujerd ,Iran. The standard biochemical methods were applied. Acid tolerance was studied by exposure to acidic PBS and growth in bile salt was measured by the spectrophotometric method. The isolated bacteria were studied for antagonistic effects on environment isolated E.coli, bacteriocin and biosurfactant production. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and amplified by PCR method.,Objectives: ThiSun, 23 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0330Isolation and Detection of Yeast Biofilms From Urine Catheters of Infectious Patientshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=2640Background: Recent evidences have revealed that in more than 65% of microbial infections, biofilms have critical roles. The ability of yeasts to form biofilms on surface of medical devices such as urine catheters is an important reason of the capability of these microorganisms to cause human disease.
,Objectives: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify yeasts on the surfaces of urine catheters and to investigate their ability to form biofilms.,Patients and Methods: In this research, 55 urine catheters from patients of ICU award of Army Family Hospital in Tehran (Iran) were assayed. The catheters were taken aseptically to the laboratory for studying biofilms. Then they were sonicated and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, CHROM agar and Corn meal agar. Examination of germ tube, sugar absorption and PCR method by two primers of ITS1 and ITS4 were used to identify pathogenic yeasts.,Results: According to the classical methods and molecular techniques, Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma Gondii Strains From Rats in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=2852Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a unicellular apicomplex organism, belonging to the Toxoplasma genus. The parasite infects humans, as well as mammalians and different species of birds, and it can be propagated in a wide range of host cells. There have been no appropriate molecular or serological studies carried out previously in Iran on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodents. ,Objectives: Therefore, the present study has been carried out to provide genetic identification and determination of wild rats in Tehran, Iran.,Materials and Methods: Forty rats in Tehran were caught with traps. Subsequently, their brains were removed under sterile conditions, DNA extraction was performed with a phenol and chloroform method. In the current study, a repetitive sequence in the genome T. gondii was used for identification with a specific primer. By sequencing the purified Polymerase Chain Reaction product, seven strains were determined out of the positive samples.,Results: Of the forty samples, 20 samples (50%) weThu, 13 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Trivalent Arsenic Tolerance and Accumulation in Two Facultative Marine Fungihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3383Background: Facultative marine fungi could potentially be arsenic tolerant and may be able to remove this highly poisonous metal from the environment. ,Objectives: The objective of this work was to explore the degree of tolerance and removal efficiency of two facultative marine fungi.,Materials and Methods: Facultative marine fungi Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus spp. were exposed to 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L sodium arsenite (As (III)). Tolerance of these species to the test concentrations was assessed by studying their biomass accumulation. Accumulation of arsenic by the fungal biomass was also evaluated. ,Results: Our study revealed that both A. flavus and Rhizopus sp. exhibited tolerance towards the test concentrations of arsenic. Both of the test fungi also exhibited arsenic accumulation. Rhizopus sp. was found to be a slightly better potential accumulator.,Conclusions: This study reveals that the test fungi can be harnessed as bioremediation agents for arsenic contaminated sites. Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430HBsAg Variants: Common Escape Issueshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4243Abstract: Mutations have been described in all of the four open reading frames of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), however, from a clinical perspective the surface escape mutant is the most troublesome. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) variants may impair diagnosis, or allow the virus to escape vaccine-induced immunity or passive immunoglobulin therapy. HBV mutants with amino acid substitutions, within the common “a” determinant of HBsAg have been identified, and as a result, the HBsAg cannot be detected in some assays (diagnostic-escape). In these situations, the HBsAg mutants may arise in patients with a HBV infection, but they have been diagnosed as HBsAg negative. This review deals with the latest results on the performance of HBsAg assays, as well as the reactivity of native and or recombinant mutants of HBsAg.Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0430Stimulato-Inhibitory Response to Cumin Oil in Aflatoxin B1 Production of Aspergillus Specieshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=7210Conclusions: Antimicrobial and antitoxigenic properties of natural products need a firmly established criterion before they could be offered to application.,Results: A significant reduction in Aflatoxin production was noted which was not due to the inhibitory effect but because of antifungal property of the oil. Interestingly, the oil promoted toxin production for the reasons yet to be investigated. The extent of aflatoxin production was dependent on the concentration of essential oil used. All toxin-producing fungi in this study produced higher amount of aflatoxin at low concentrations of the oil. 400 ppm concentration of C. cyminum L. from Alborz Mountain increased aflatoxin production to over fourfold. Aflatoxin productivity was declined at high concentration of the oil.,Background: Aspergillus species produce the highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), on food and agricultural commodities. Some natural products are known to inhibit aflatoxin productMon, 10 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Study of polyols production by Yarrowia lipolytica in batch culture and optimization of growth condition for maximum productionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3524Background: Sugar alcohol erythritol is a non-caloric sweetener, non-cariogenic, and safe for diabetics because of no change to blood glucose and insulin levels after oral administration. Erythritol cannot be degraded by any enzymatic systems and must be eliminated from the blood through the kidney. Objectives: The aim of this study was production and optimization of erythritol from glucose by Yarrowia lipolytica.,Materials and methods: Yarrowia lipolytica DSM70562 was cultivated at 30°C in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer containing 50 mL of production medium composed of 200 g/L glucose, 10 g/L yeast extract, 10 mg/L MnSO4.4H2O, and 2 mg/L CuSO4.5H2O. Erythritol was separated from the sugars and other polyols by thin layer chromatography. Total polyols was determined using colorimetric method of Bok and Demain, and erythritol was also eluted from the paper and determined by this colorimetric method.,Results: In a batch culture with 200 g/L glucose at pH 5.5, an erythritol producer of Y.lipolytica capable to produce 27.8Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Screening of Novel Bacteriophage Infection in Pseudomonas putida Isolated From Potato Diseasehttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3786Background: In recent decades bacteriophages have been used as treating agents against some pathogens. Also, bacteriophages could be considered as alternatives of antimicrobial agents in plant protection.,Objectives: This study aimed to isolate a pathogen from potato (Solanum tubersom) tubers (Pseudomonas putida), and of its specific bacteriophage from soil and wastewater.,Materials and Methods: Infected samples of soft rot potato tubers were collected from Flavarjan farms (Isfahan province, Iran) to isolate and identify P. putida by biochemical and molecular methods. Soil and wastewater samples were obtained locally to isolate the bacteriophage attributed to P. putida. Soil suspension was centrifuged and then filtrated by 0.2 micrometer Millipore filter. The wastewater was directly filtrated by 0.2 micrometer filter after centrifugation. After incubation of isolated bacteria together with phage contained solution, plaques were detected in nutrient agar. Subsequently, clearance of P. putida liquid culture incSun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430A Study of The Genetic Variability of Blastocystis hominis Isolates in Hamadan, West of Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4071Background: Blastocystis is a common protozoan parasite in mammals, birds, amphibians,reptiles, fish, arthropods, and annelids. This parasite has some subtypes, which pathogenicity status of them still remained controversial. Some of Blastocystis subtypes are potentially pathogenic to human.,Objectives: This study has identified the Blastocystis hominis subtypes and their prevalence rates in Hamadan.,Materials and Methods: During two months of summer 2011, a total number of 250 human fecal samples referred for parasitology examination to Beasat Hospital and a few clinical laboratories of Hamadan city were collected. The samples were examined by direct method and formalin-ether. 41 samples exhibited positive results for B. hominis thereby were cultured in Locke-egg medium. After the growth and in order to genotype identification, B. hominis isolates were amplified by PCR, using seven pairs of sequences-tagged site primers.,Results: In this study, three subtypes of B. hominis consisted of one [SB83], two [SB340Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Pelvic Bone Hydatidosishttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4208Abstract: Hydatid disease is caused by Echinococcus spp. especially Echinococcus granulosus that is the most common cause of hydatid disease in humans. This disease occurs either through direct contact with infected dogs or indirectly from the ingestion of contaminated water or food with eggs of worms. The most common site in human is the liver (59-75%), followed in frequency by lung (27%), kidney (3%) and bone (1-4%). The authors report a case of the pelvic bone hydatidosis in a 27-years old patient, appearing with pain and a mass in the pelvic region.Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Evaluating the Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Meat and Meat Products in Ahvaz by PCR Methodhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4280Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite, which is widely spread in the world. The parasite is able to infect all warm-blooded hosts including human.The infection occures via consumption of food or water containing oocytes, eatingundercooked meats containing tissue cysts, and placenta. Undercooked meat consumption is one of the most important ways of Toxoplasma transmission especially in pregnancy period. Raw and undercooked meats have been reported responsible for 50 % of congenital toxoplasmosis.,Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in lamb and beef, and also meat products by molecular method in Ahvaz,southwest of Iran.,Materials and Methods: Totally 190 samples were collected from local retailers in Ahvaz city. Samples of tongue, heart and muscle were taken from 50 lamb and 50 beef distributors and 90 meat product samples (sausages, hamburgers and salami, 30 samples of each). Collected samples were minced by electric meat grinder. Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Sensitivity of Vaginal Isolates of Candida to Eight Antifungal Drugs Isolated From Ahvaz, Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4556Backgrounds: Candida vaginitis is a common fungal infection among adult women and it has been estimated that 75% of all adult women experience at least one period of vulvovaginal candidiasis in their lifetime. Several predisposing factors, such as diabetes mellitus,using contraceptive, pregnancy, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are reported as main risk factors for the infection. While, the main etiologic agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis is Candida albicans, more antifungal resistance has been reported among non-albicans species.,Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine susceptibility patterns of vaginal isolates of Candida to eight antifungal drugs including, clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine,nystatin, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, and econazole.,Patients and Methods: Tested organisms were C. albicans 53 (79.1%), C. glabrata 8 (11.9%), C.tropicalis 4 (5.9%) and C. krusei 2 (2.9%) that were isolated from vaginal infected patients.Disk diffusion method was used to evaluate suscepSun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Evaluation of two Immunodiagnostic Assays (MAT and IFA) for Human Leptospirosis in Gilan province -Iranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4564Background: Leptospirosis is a systemic infectious disease caused by pathogenic bacteria belonging to the species of Leptospira, it is considered to be the most common zoonosis in the world. This is a serious and sometimes fatal infection which is transmitted from animals to humans by entering the digestive tract or mucosal membrane. Within the initial 10-12 day period, the patient may experience no or relatively minor symptoms, then the bacteria enters the blood system and causes contamination of the internal organs,especially the liver.,Objectives: This study prospectively evaluated two serological methods, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with the aim of identifying leptospiral agents quickly, in order to prevent and control leptospirosis diseases.,Patients and Methods: In this study, 90 blood samples and their serums, were collected from patients showing clinical symptoms of leptospirosis, and these were analyzed with MAT and IFA tests, to test for the pSun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430High prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Enterobius vermicularis among elderly and mentally retarded residence in Golabchi center,Kashan,Iran 2006-2007http://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4576Background: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar and Enterobius vermicularis are the major health problems in the developing countries especially in Iran. The prevalence of infection is variable among different social groups in the world.,Objectives: Since elderly and mentally retarded are high risk group, the present survey was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites especially these parasites in elderly and mentally retarded residence in Golabchi Center, Kashan, Iran.,Materials and Methods: In this Cross-sectional study a total of 243 stool samples and 279 Scotch tapes from elderly and mentally retarded people were collected. Intestinal parasitic infections especially E.histolytica/E.dispar was determined by Stool examination. Scotch tape was used for diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis. The demographic data were recorded by questionnaire and were analyzed by SPSS and X2.,Results: The overall infection rate of intestinal parasite was 78.7% (191 out of 243 subjects).The prSun, 09 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Investigation of Probiotic Chocolate Effect on Streptococcus mutans Growth Inhibitionhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3861Background: One of the most important factors in inducing the logarithmic growth of Streptococcus mutans, is a diet containing fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose. Objectives: The aim of the current research was to compare the ability of ordinary and probiotic chocolate to induce or inhibit the growth of S. mutans.,Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. plantarum and L. acidophilus as probiotic strains, were cultivated on MRS agar for 24 hours at 35° C in 5% CO2. S. mutans which is a dominant factor in causing dental plaque, was isolated from 20 samples of dental plaque and caries lesions in adults on Streptococcus selective agar medium, and diagnosed by routine biochemical tests. The antimicrobial effect of three probiotic strains on S. mutans was evaluated by the deferred cross-streak method and susceptibility through the disk diffusion test. The antimicrobial effect of the probiotic supernatant powder was determined by a dilution method. Probiotic strains were added to dark chocolate witSat, 08 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Seroepidemiology of HBV Infection in Kermanshah- West of Iran; a Population Based Studyhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4156Background: hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem that affects billions of people worldwide. The lack of information on HBV prevalence among the general population is an obstacle to formulate effective policies to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis.,Objectives: This population based serological survey was conducted in Kermanshah province to determine the local prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection.,Patients and Methods: 1979 healthy subjects were selected from all districts of Kermanshah province (in the west of Iran) using random cluster sampling. Subjects between 6 and 65 years of age were included with mean age of 35 ± 13. Serum samples were tested for HBcAb, HBsAg and anti-HDV antibody. To carry out lab tests the third generation of ELISA was used. Various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed.,Results: The prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb in Kermanshah was 0.75% (95% CI 0.44; 1.21) and 8.28% (95% CI 7.13; 9.56), respectively. One case of HDSat, 08 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Seroprevalence of measles, mumps and rubella Antibodies in 18 months and 6.5 years old children: 6 months after measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinationhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4563Background: Mumps, measles and rubella viruses lead to various kinds of complica- tions such as meningoencephalitis, deafness, congenital abnormalities and even cause mortality in malnourished patients,. Since 2004, MMR vaccination in two series of one year of age and four to six years has been administered to Iranian children as a part of routine vaccination program. Recently, MMR vaccination schedule has been changed to one year and 18 months series.,Objectives: Since MMR vaccine has been recently entered childhood vaccination program,this study was performed to determine immunity response against mumps, measles and rubella six months after one year and four to six years of age vaccination.,Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, antibody titers after MMR vaccination at 18 months (six months after dose of one year) in 70 children, and at 6.5 years (sixmonth after dose of six years) in 90 children referred to Ahvaz Abuzar Children’s Hospital Vaccination Clinic during 2007-2008 were detected by ELSat, 08 Sep 2012 04:30:00 +0430Trivalent Arsenic Tolerance and Accumulation in Two Facultative Marine Fungihttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=3383Background: Facultative marine fungi could potentially be arsenic tolerant and may be able to remove this highly poisonous metal from the environment. ,Objectives: The objective of this work was to explore the degree of tolerance and removal efficiency of two facultative marine fungi.,Materials and Methods: Facultative marine fungi Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus spp. were exposed to 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L sodium arsenite (As (III)). Tolerance of these species to the test concentrations was assessed by studying their biomass accumulation. Accumulation of arsenic by the fungal biomass was also evaluated. ,Results: Our study revealed that both A. flavus and Rhizopus sp. exhibited tolerance towards the test concentrations of arsenic. Both of the test fungi also exhibited arsenic accumulation. Rhizopus sp. was found to be a slightly better potential accumulator.,Conclusions: This study reveals that the test fungi can be harnessed as bioremediation agents for arsenic contaminated sites. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 03:30:00 +0330Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma Gondii Strains From Rats in Tehranhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=2852Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a unicellular apicomplex organism, belonging to the Toxoplasma genus. The parasite infects humans, as well as mammalians and different species of birds, and it can be propagated in a wide range of host cells. There have been no appropriate molecular or serological studies carried out previously in Iran on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodents. ,Objectives: Therefore, the present study has been carried out to provide genetic identification and determination of wild rats in Tehran, Iran.,Materials and Methods: Forty rats in Tehran were caught with traps. Subsequently, their brains were removed under sterile conditions, DNA extraction was performed with a phenol and chloroform method. In the current study, a repetitive sequence in the genome T. gondii was used for identification with a specific primer. By sequencing the purified Polymerase Chain Reaction product, seven strains were determined out of the positive samples.,Results: Of the forty samples, 20 samples (50%) weFrequency of Mupirocin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated From Nasal Carriers in Hospital Patients in Kermanshahhttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=4199Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major nosocomial pathogen world wide. Mupirocin plays a crucial role in strategies designed to control outbreaks of S. aureus. ,Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of mupirocin resistance in S. aureus strains isolated from nasal carriers among the hospitalized patients at Kermanshah Hospital, Iran.,Patients and Methods: A total of 174 S. aureus isolates (sensitive and resistant to methicillin) were collected from the nasal anterior nares of hospitalized patients. All isolates were tested for mupirocin susceptibility by a disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by an E-test and they were also analyzed by a PCR for the presence of ileS-1 and ileS-2 genes.,Results: Utilizing the disc diffusion agar method, E-test and PCR, all of the S. aureus strains tested were susceptible to mupirocin. In this study, the range of mupirocin MICs was determined to be between 0.064 and 4 μg/ml. There was a significant assAntimicrobial Potentials of Leptolyngbya sp. and Its Synergistic Effects With Antibioticshttp://jjmicrobiol.com?page=article&article_id=6536Conclusions: Optimization of medium composition and synergistic antimicrobial activity on the cyanobacteria could lead to production of effective antimicrobials.,Results: C. leptolyngbya had antimicrobial activity individually and in synergy with antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The highest activity of the chloroform extract was on gram positive strains and its effects on fungi were moderate, but it had a little effect against gram negative ones. Phosphate salt was the most important factor for growth and antibacterial activity in C. leptolyngbya.,Background: Resistance to antibiotics is a clinical problem. Cyanobacteria have many more antibiotic productions. Nowadays, combinations of antimicrobial compounds are used.,Objectives: The current research studied antimicrobial properties of Leptolyngbya.,Materials and Methods: Chloroform extracts of Leptolyngbya sp. were prepared. Antimicrobial effects of these extract